Criminal Justice Course Syllabus

Course Overview
In this course, we will examine the picture of crime in America, society's response to crime, and the social science of criminal justice.

Our primary focus will be criminal justice in the United States, especially urban America, and how we balance the rights of individuals with the need to maintain public order. We will consider the development of the criminal justice system while framing crime in the context of our culture. Students will evaluate our current system and propose ways to shape the system to meet the needs of our society.

Through class discussions, research, readings, and various statistical analyses, we will explore some of the key traditional elements of the criminal justice system, including the courts, police, and corrections. We will attempt to answer tough questions, such as; Why is criminal justice carried out in the current manner? Are there better ways for Americans to prevent or respond to crime? What is the role of law enforcement?

This course is designed for students to evaluate social patterns and how an individual’s background impacts the criminal justice process. Indeed, a primary goal for this course is the appreciation of diversity and recognition of the significance that diversity has on our nation in the new millennium. While looking at the root causes of crime, we will challenge each other to develop strategies for our criminal justice system as the face of America is constantly changing.

SKILLS Snapshot
Using the above topics as the foundation of Criminal Justice, we will sharpen many skills. We'll employ the Ipswich Public Schools Successful Habits of Mind while refining skills that will be useful well-beyond our course. We will develop and master a wide array of skills. By the end of the course, skills that were once "introductory" will become powerful skills.

Grading Policy
Your final grade for this course will be determined based on the following formula:

Assignments and overall grades will be based on a points system. Prior to each assignment, you will know the total available points. The grade will be based on the following calculation: Total Points Earned ÷ Total Possible Points

¹For other assignments, such as in-class work, research in the library, or special projects, you will be made aware of the possible points when the assignment begins.

Homework & Assignments
Homework is an important part of this course. The homework is meant to enhance our work in the classroom. Completing the homework will help you understand the subject matter and, hopefully, make it more interesting. You will be better prepared for class discussions, other assignments, and tests or quizzes. Likewise, you will have the opportunity to participate in many activities. These activities will range from group presentations to individual projects. I hope the assignments will be engaging and enable you to demonstrate your expertise in the field of criminal justice. Successfully completing and handing-in all of the homework and assignments will improve your grade for the course.

1. Homework/assignments are due at the beginning of class or when collected.

2. Late homework/assignments will not be accepted unless you have an excused absence.

3. You are responsible for obtaining homework/assignments if you are absent.

4. You are responsible for submitting homework/assignments if you are absent.

Classroom Contribution -- Sliding Scale
Classroom contribution will be included as part of your quarterly grade. Classroom contribution represents 15% of your quarterly grade. See below about the effect of absences on your classroom contribution grade. Classroom Contribution will be evaluated every 3 weeks.

Grade	Criteria
A+ (100%)	Truly exceptional leadership and participation in the classroom by demonstrating an outstanding work ethic, complete focus when working independently, adds significantly to the culture of the class, and willingly goes beyond to bring material from outside the classroom into discussions and the learning environment.
A (95%)	Excellent participation in class discussions, often asks thought provoking questions, willingly works with other students during classroom activities, excellent attitude, and/or shows extensive effort towards creating a positive atmosphere in the classroom.
B (85%)	Substantial participation in class discussions, usually works well with other students during classroom activities, excellent attitude, and/or shows substantial effort towards creating a positive classroom atmosphere.
C (75%)	Acceptable participation in class discussions, sometimes works well with other students during classroom activities, and/or meets some expectations with attitude and contribution to the classroom environment.
D (68%)	Rarely or never participates in class discussions, negative attitude, and/or is disruptive in class.
F (25%)	Rarely or never participates in class discussions, is disruptive in class, does not engage in group projects, and/or is not part of the "class environment."

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Attendance
Attendance and classroom contribution are important aspects of the course. Participating in class advances your knowledge of the material and enables other students to learn from you. Class sessions are also meant to supplement homework and individual research rather than replace or repeat your readings.

Please refer to the Ipswich High School Student-Parent Handbook for the attendance policy and the effects absences has on grades.

It is the student's responsibility to provide documentation for any absences. College visits must receive prior administrative approval to be considered for a waiver. Please note that voluntary student absences (vacations, family trips, etc.) will not be considered for appeal and will count towards a student's total absences for the year. Students are allowed to make up work missed during their absence; however, it should be noted that only individually completed work assignments, quizzes, or tests can be made up. Class participation, collaboration with one’s peers, and interaction with the teacher, from which much knowledge and growth occurs, are all important learning activities that are impossible to make up.

An important note about field trips

Field trips are valuable components of a course curriculum. Throughout the semester, it may be necessary for you to miss our class session(s) to attend a field trip for another course. Please note that you are responsible for notifying me AT LEAST TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE OF A FIELD TRIP if you are going to be absent. Also, if you are working on a group project, you are responsible for notifying your team members that you will be absent.

If you fail to provide prior notification (AT LEAST TWO SCHOOL DAYS) for an absence due to a field trip, you will not be able to make-up any of the missed work done in class.

An important note about family vacations

Family vacations must be approved by the Main Office PRIOR to your absence. While I will provide assistance, advanced assignments are not guaranteed. If you are eligible to submit make-up work, the work must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines included in family vacation policy.

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Honors Contract
Students may take Criminal Justice for honors credit by signing an Honors Contract. Students who participate in an honors contract should:

If you are interested in taking the course for honors credit, please note the following deadline: Honors Contracts are due by the start of class on Tuesday, February 4.

Once you sign and submit the Honors Contract, you may not drop the Honors Contract.

Students who do not submit an honors contract by the due date will not be eligible to take the course for honors credit. The due date is posted on the Assignments/Topic page.