Criminology and Criminal Justice: Research & Writing Syllabus

CCJ 301
Course Description

Engages students in building research, critical thinking, and communication skills necessary to
succeed in upper division coursework in criminology and criminal justice and to achieve
professional goals. Fosters an understanding of the stages in the research process, including
literature review, research design, data gathering, and analysis. Emphasizes the ability to
effectively communicate analysis from criminological perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

This course is designed to guide you towards:
• Developing written, oral, and visual communication skills that reflect knowledge of the
disciple, professional behaviors, and abilities needed to enhance career opportunities.
• Employing critical thinking skills through comprehensive exploration of issues and ideas
before accepting or formulating an opinion when evaluating issues in criminology and
criminal justice.

This introductory textbook covers all of the basics of the criminal justice system (police, courts, corrections) and goes above and beyond by covering the role of media in crime and criminal justice system misrepresentations. It also gives entire dedicated chapters to crime policy and criminological theory.

Short Description:
This OER covers law enforcement, criminal courts, sentencing, penal institutions, and community-based sanctions. It also includes historical and contemporary perspectives on components of the criminal justice system, as well as the legal and constitutional frameworks in which they operate. Order a print copy: http://www.lulu.com/shop/alison-s-burke-and-david-carter-and-brian-fedorek-and-tiffany-morey/introduction-to-the-american-criminal-justice-system/paperback/product-24027992.html

Long Description:
This OER covers law enforcement, criminal courts, sentencing, penal institutions, and community-based sanctions. It also includes historical and contemporary perspectives on components of the criminal justice system, as well as the legal and constitutional frameworks in which they operate.

Learning Objectives: Students will increase the breadth of their knowledge and understanding of the American Criminal Justice System. Students will enhance their critical thinking skills via writing, reading, and discussion. Students will learn the history, functions, responsibilities, processes, and importance of each component of the criminal justice system. Students will become familiar with research and its relationship to criminal justice policy. Students will use the foundations learned about the American criminal justice system in future CCJ courses. Additionally, myths and controversies are incorporated in the course covering the above-noted content areas in the American criminal justice system. In our experience, this tends to be the most exciting part of the class. It also helps students build all learning outcomes through assignments, readings, and materials covered in class. The primary goal when writing this book was to make it easy to read, with fun examples, thought-provoking discussion questions, and is accessible to all to ensure that students would read. The content level targeted first-year students who are taking their first course in Criminology and Criminal Justice, but also as a general education course for those that may not intend to major. In order to ensure each area has accessible materials for the course and meets our learning objectives and goals, we have conducted preliminary research in order to determine our best option is moving forward.

Order a print copy: http://www.lulu.com/shop/alison-s-burke-and-david-carter-and-brian-fedorek-and-tiffany-morey/introduction-to-the-american-criminal-justice-system/paperback/product-24027992.html

Word Count: 123812

ISBN: 978-1-63635-067-7

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