Criminology Forensic Science
Course Syllabus
Mrs. Ham and Mr. Krieger
Ipswich High School
2011-2012
School Year
Course
Overview
In this course, we will examine criminal justice theories and explore
criminal investigation through forensic science. This course will cover
the various biological, psychological and social aspects of crime in the
U.S. while applying science to the enforcement of laws. Students will
become skilled at such analytical methods as securing crime scenes,
collecting and preserving evidence, fingerprinting and DNA analysis.
Students will be provided with an opportunity to perform basic forensic
techniques and use appropriate scientific procedures that follow
established guidelines for admissible evidence. Utilizing statistics,
characteristics of criminal behavior and scientific methods, the students
will apply the core knowledge of the course to actual criminal cases.
Through the use of scenarios taken from the headlines and famous
criminal cases, the students will be engaged in class discussions,
research, readings, and various laboratory analyses as we explore the
development of forensic science as a tool in the criminal justice system.
We will evaluate the impact of forensic science on the development of
policing, law enforcement and the administration of justice.
This course is designed for students to use real-life applications of
scientific processes to actual case studies while integrating math,
science, writing and an understanding of social justice. How do we balance
the rights of the victims and society against the rights of the accused?
How can the scientific method be used to establish reasonable facts about
evidence in a criminal proceeding?
| Unit I | Criminal Justice and Crime Scene Investigation |
| Unit II | Fingerprints and Criminal Procedure |
| Unit III | Forensic Serology and the Bill of Rights |
| Unit IV | DNA Analysis and Policing |
| Unit V | Ballistics and the ATF |
| Unit VI | Forensic Chemistry and Drug Enforcement |
| Unit VII | Arson and Capital Punishment |
| Unit VIII | Juvenile Justice |
Grading Policy
Your final grade for this course will be determined based on the following
formula:
| Semester Grade |
Quarter 1 = 40%
Quarter 2 = 40% Final Assessment = 20% |
| Quarterly Grade |
All
Coursework = 90% Class Contribution =10% |
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
| Assignment1 | Maximum Points |
| Homework | 10 |
| Forensic Science Labs | As assigned |
| Reading Quiz | 15 |
| Other Quizzes | 20 |
| Unit Test | 100 |
| Projects | 100, or as assigned |
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
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.
We hope that the homework will be engaging and enable you to
demonstrate your expertise in the fields of Criminology and Forensic
Science. Successfully completing and handing-in all of the homework will
improve your grade for the course.
1. Homework is due at the beginning of class.
2. Homework is due to Mr. Krieger or Mrs. Ham on the due date. For example:
--
Mrs. Ham assigns homework on Tuesday that is due on Wednesday
-- You are in Mr. Krieger's classroom on Wednesday
-- You will submit your homework to Mr. Krieger at the
beginning of class on Wednesday
3. Late homework will not be accepted unless you have an excused absence.
4. You are responsible for obtaining homework if you are absent.
5. Homework will be evaluated using the following rubric:
| Points | Criteria |
| 10 | Homework shows excellent effort and the work is fully completed |
| 5 | Homework shows acceptable effort and the work is mostly completed |
| 0 | Homework shows minimal effort or is not submitted when due |
Classroom Contribution -- Sliding Scale
Classroom
contribution will be included as 10% of each quarterly grade.
If your absence from class is unexcused or if you are tardy
unexcused, your grade will be negatively impacted.
The rubric below outlines the grading criteria:
| Grade | Criteria |
| A (100%) | 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." |
Attendance/Field Trips
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.
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 field trips. Please note that you are responsible for notifying each of us 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) of a field trip and are absent for a presentation or other assignment, you will receive a zero for the assignment or project.
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Honors Contract
Students may take Criminology Forensic Science for honors
credit by signing an Honors Contract.
Students who participate in an honors contract should:
-
participate regularly in class discussions,
-
display a high level of critical thinking during class discussions,
-
complete all assignments with an excellent level of quality written and
oral work,
-
demonstrate the ability to work independently and as a member of team,
and,
- collaborate with other students to produce work that exceeds expectations.
If you are interested in taking the course for honors credit, please note the following deadlines:
Signed Honors Contract due -- Wednesday, September 7