CRIJ 1301 261: Intro to Criminal Justice

CRIJ 1301 - Intro to Criminal Justice

Spring 2025 Syllabus, Section 261, CRN 26338


Instructor Information

Norma Maldonado Garcia

Email: norma.garcia2@tamiu.edu

Office Hours:
Please email Professor for office hours


Times and Location

MW 6pm-7:20pm in Bullock Hall 114


Course Description

An overview of the criminal justice system, with a focus on decision points and administrative practices in police, criminal court, and correctional bureaucracies. The historical evolution of criminal justice agencies is covered along with basic criminal procedures.
Social Sciences Department, College of Arts & Sciences

Additional Course Information

Use of AI will not be allowed in this class.

Additional videos for assignments and other article readings will be posted on Blackboard.

Student Learning Outcomes

This course provides an introduction to the criminal justice system. The primary goal of this course is to develop a general understanding of the criminal justice system and its response to crime in society today. Students will consider crime in the United States, explore the key elements of the criminal justice system (policing, courts, and corrections), and examine a number of special issues relevant to criminal justice today.

Important Dates

Visit the Academic Calendar (tamiu.edu) page to view the term's important dates.

Textbooks

Group Title Author ISBN
Required Criminal Justice Today (17th edition) Schmalleger, Frank 9780137910403

Grading Criteria

GRADE PERCENTAGE
A 91-100
B 80-90.9
C 70-79.9
D 60-69.9
F Below 60

Open Boilerplate

ASSIGNMENT VALUE
Assignment #1 Murder Case 1 10%
Assignment #2 Murder Case 2 10%
Exam 1 15%
Exam 2 15%
Exam 3 15%
Exam 4 15%
Exam 5 15%
In-class discussions 5%

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Day Date Agenda/Topic Reading(s) Due
Wed 1/22 Introductions and review syllabus
Mon 1/27 Review Chapter 1 What is Criminal Justice
Wed 1/29 Review Chapter 1 continued
In-class discussion due at end of class
Mon 2/3 Review Chapter 2 The Crime Picture
Wed 2/5 Review Chapter 3 The Search for Causes
In-class discussion due at end of class
Mon 2/10 Review Chapter 4 Criminal Law
Wed 2/12 Review Chapters 1-4
Murder Case 1 information for midterm assignment
Mon 2/17 Exam 1 Chapters 1-4
Wed 2/19 Review Chapter 5 Policing: History and Structure
Mon 2/24 Review Chapter 6 Policing: Purpose and Organization
In-class discussion due at end of class
Wed 2/26 Review Chapter 7 Policing: Legal Aspects
Mon 3/3 Review Chapter 8 Policing: Issues and Challenges
Wed 3/5 Review Chapters 5-8 *guest speakers
Mon 3/10 Spring Break
Wed 3/12 Spring Break
Mon 3/17 Exam 2 Chapters 5-8
Wed 3/19 Review Chapter 9 The Courts: Structure and Participants
Mon 3/24 Review Chapter 10 Pretrial Activities and the Criminal Trial
In-class discussion due at end of class
Wed 3/26 Review Chapter 11 Sentencing
*guest speakers
Mon 3/31 Review Chapters 9-11
In-class discussion due at end of class
Wed 4/2 Murder Case 2 information for Final assignemt
Mon 4/7 Exam 3 Chapters 9-11
Wed 4/9 Review Chapter 12 Probation, Parole, and Reentry
In-class discussion due at end of class
Mon 4/14 Review Chapter 13 Prisons and Jails
Wed 4/16 Review Chapter 14 Prison Life
In-class discussion due at end of class
Review Chapters 12-14
Mon 4/21 Exam 4 Chapters 12-14
Wed 4/23 Review Chapter 15 Juvenile Justice
Mon 4/28 Murder Case 2 due
Wed 4/30 Review Chapters 16 Drugs and Crime
Mon 5/5 Reading Day
Wed 5/7 Review Chapters 15-16
Mon 5/12 Exam 5 (final) Chapters 15-16

Core Curriculum Learning Outcomes

Core-Curriculum Learning Outcomes:

  1. Critical Thinking Skills (CT) - creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information
  2. Communication Skills (COM) - effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication
  3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills (EQS) - manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions
  4. Teamwork (TW) - ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal
  5. Social Responsibility (SR) - intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities
  6. Personal Responsibility (PR) - ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making

University/College Policies

Please see the University Policies below.