CCJ 230: American Criminal Justice System

Fall 2022 – Online

(September 21-December 9)

Professor: Dr. Jessica Peterson (she/her/hers)

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 541-552-6650
Instructor Availability: My preferred method of communication is email. I will typically
respond within 24 hours of receiving your email. I am happy to set up a zoom meeting to discuss
course concerns, etc. as well. The announcements on Moodle are my primary way of
communicating changes in class-related deadlines, etc. with the entire class so BE SURE
your notifications are turned on and that you check these often.

Course Description and Objectives

This course is an overview of the Criminal Justice System in the United States. We will cover the
basics such as what constitutes a crime, how crime is measured, and the history and role of law
in the Criminal Justice system. We will also explore the workings of the three functional
components of the system; law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Throughout the semester,
you will gain an understanding of:
(1) the major concepts and terminology associated with the Criminal Justice System
(2) how law enforcement, the courts, and the correctional system engage in social control
(3) due process and Constitutional protections in the United States
(4) how law, politics, and culture influence the Criminal Justice System and criminal justice
policy
This course will also prepare you to critically evaluate information (and spot potential for bias)
regarding the Criminal Justice System; apply knowledge to real-world scenarios and policy;
effectively communicate ideas via written and verbal methods; and hold respectful discussions
about controversial, sensitive, or difficult subjects.

Required Text
Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. (2019). Burke, A. S., Carter, D., Fedorek,
B., Morey, T., Rutz-Burri, L., & Sanchez, S. https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/ccj230/
If/when reading or viewing other materials is required throughout the semester, they will be
provided.

Course Moodle and Technology Concerns/Issues

If you need help accessing or navigating Moodle, please visit the How-To Page. For technology
concerns, reach out to the SOU helpdesk at: [email protected] | 541-552-6900.

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 Assignments and Grades

Total: 500 Points

Midterm Exam (50 points) 10% of Final Grade
Final Exam (50 points) 10% of Final Grade
Podcast Project (50 points) 10% of Final Grade
Course Project (100 points) 20% of Final Grade
Activities (250 points) 50% of Final Grade
*Will round up if final grade >.5

A+ 97-100% C+ 77-79%

A 93-96% C 70-76%

A- 90-92% D+ 67-69%

B+ 87-89% D 63-66%

B 83-86% D- 60-62%

B- 80-82% F 59% and below

Exams (100 points): The content and format of the Midterm and Final exams will vary
somewhat (e.g., multiple-choice, true/false, matching, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, etc.), but
they will each cover a specified section of material (i.e., they are not cumulative). Once exams
become available, you must complete them by the due date/time. Exceptions will only be granted
under special circumstances if you have discussed with me and received approval from me
PRIOR to the exam due date.
Podcast Project (50 points): The details of this project will be made available on the course
Moodle on week 2.
Course Project (100 points): The details of this project will be made available on the course
Moodle on week 4.
Course Participation and Assignments (250 points): This course includes weekly Modules.
Each module consists of a variety of tasks that may include reading assignments, brief video
lectures, and related assignments and assessments. Each Module (with an exception for week
one) will become available on Monday before 10 AM of that week and will include a list of tasks
that must be completed during that week. Included assignments will vary in format from
personal reflection to group online discussions. A 24-hour grace period is built into most
assignments in Moodle unless completion by a certain time/date is required for
progression. For example, a forum post will not have a grace period as your initial post is
necessary for others to respond and move the discussion forward. See the due date/time and cut-
off day/time on each submission for clarification.
If a situation arises that may prevent you from submitting an assignment on time, LET ME
KNOW as soon as possible. We will discuss the possibility for extensions on a case-by-case

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basis. An assignment submitted beyond the grace period/after the cut-off date without
explanation and prior discussion will receive a zero.
Although “attendance” is not relevant to this asynchronous class, participation in this course is
mandatory. Participation includes: reading all assigned materials, watching all assigned videos,
interacting with posted announcements or assignment feedback, and completing weekly
prompts/assignments. Failing to read, watch, and interact with the course materials – even if the
task does not have points attached for completion – will result in a deduction of points from your
final grade.
Assignment Format: For written assignments, I accept Word documents unless otherwise stated
in the assignment description, as they can easily be commented on, etc. Please do not submit
links to Google docs, etc. Unless otherwise noted, your assignments should utilize a readable
font (Times New Roman, Calibri), 12-point font size, and regular 1-in margins. All assignments
must be submitted on Moodle in the appropriate link (do not email assignments to me unless I
specifically ask you to do so).
It is good to develop professional habits when it comes to naming your documents. For example,
something along the lines of “Assignment 4 – Last Name” or “Assignment 4 Fall 2022_Last
Name” is precise, clear, and easy to keep track of. I would highly recommend avoiding titles
such as “paper” or “finallydonewiththisdumbpaperrrr.”
Class Policies
Assignment Feedback: Some assessments will be auto-graded and provide instant feedback,
however, written assignments or course projects will take longer for me to grade. I aim to have
your assignment grades and feedback posted within a timely manner after the due date,
especially if said feedback is required for your progression through the course. Send me a good
meme via email before Wednesday on Week 3 of the quarter and I will add an extra point to your
gradebook. I cannot discuss specific grades over email (University policy) but I am more than
happy to discuss them during a zoom appointment.
Late Assignments: I value communication so if you are experiencing “symptoms of life” that
may prevent you from submitting something on time, let me know ASAP. The grace period is
built-in to accommodate small hiccups in submission, Wifi/computer issues, etc. Otherwise,
please see the previous section on course participation and assignments.
Class Etiquette and Netiquette: We will discuss topics and issues in this class that may be
sensitive, emotionally-provoking, and/or controversial. I encourage active participation in
discussion and assignments and I welcome opinions across all spectrums of thought. However, I
require respect from everyone in the class and will maintain a safe space for all students. Racism,
xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, classism, ableism,
hate speech or actions that attempt to silence, threaten, and degrade others will not be accepted.
In an online context, the opportunity for miscommunication regarding perception of tone, etc.
increases drastically. Please err on the side of clarification over assumption…i.e., ask a classmate
to clarify what they mean if you are unsure. While it is perfectly acceptable to disagree with a
classmate and argue your point, do so in a respectful manner (do NOT model your class
discussions after a social media comment thread!). Furthermore, if you have concerns about a
topic in class that could cause emotional discomfort in some way, please feel free to email or
virtually discuss with me (disclose at your comfort level).

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 Ultimately – I value communication, honesty, fairness, and respect. I understand that life happens
and I encourage you reach out if you are experiencing “symptoms of life.” I have an open-door
policy (even online) and will work with you individually while also maintaining fair practices and
access to opportunities for all. I take academic honesty and integrity very seriously and do not
respond lightly to plagiarism or cheating. Please do not lie, cheat, or abuse these policies.
Southern Oregon University’s Policies & Syllabus Statements Fall 2022

While we continue to monitor national and regional developments regarding Covid-related

guidelines, we are planning to host Fall term classes using our regular mix of traditional face to face and
online modalities. The University will provide updates and communication to the campus community
regarding any changes to instructional or other university functions.
Raider Reminder
All students must abide by the Code of Student Conduct and Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and
Sexual Misconduct Policy. Make sure that any contact with others is wanted, that any recording is done
with informed consent of any other party, and that it involves no illegal downloads or activity.
In addition, we remain committed to the University's mission and values. We provide a healthy,
safe and civil campus; respectful, inclusive, and equitable interactions in all of our learning spaces
including physical and virtual classrooms; and no tolerance for racist, sexist, or other forms of hurtful
discourse.

COVID-19 Response
Covid has changed over the last two years and SOU has revised its policies and procedures to
reflect the recent changes to Jackson County Public Health, OHA and CDC's guidelines. Please review
the revised vaccine policy and protocols.
To reduce risk to the campus community, all staff, faculty, students, and visitors are required to
adhere to SOU’s face covering policy.
We will continue our efforts to keep all members of the SOU community safe; those efforts will
include attempts to limit contact between individuals and may include restricted access to buildings and
other spaces on campus. Please follow all guidelines provided on SOU's COVID-19 pages and adhere to
campus building closures and restrictions. Should these guidelines be adjusted, SOU will communicate
any adjusted expectations to all students.
SOU Cares and Equity Grievance Reporting
SOU has a wide range of resources to help you succeed. Our faculty, staff, and administration are
dedicated to providing you with the best possible support. The SOU Cares System allows us to connect
you with staff members who can assist with concerns and connect you to further available resources. This
includes concerns regarding finances, food security, health, housing, mental health, wellbeing, legal
concerns, family concerns, study skills, time management, etc. You are also welcome to use the SOU
Cares System to share concerns about yourself, a friend, or a classmate. Go to www.sou.edu/cares to
submit a note of concern.
The Dean of Students’ Office and the Office of Equity Grievance provide recourse for students
through the Student Code of Conduct, Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy,
and other applicable policies, regulations, and laws. SOU’s Equity Grievance Program addresses concerns
about sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, intimate partner violence, bias and discrimination for
students, staff and faculty. Reports related to sexual misconduct, assault, harassment, or bias may be
made anonymously or confidentially by completing this form.

Academic Honesty Statement and Code of Student Conduct

Students are expected to maintain academic integrity and honesty in completion of all work for
this class. According to SOU’s Student Code of Conduct: “Acts of academic misconduct involve the use

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or attempted use of any method that enables a student to misrepresent the quality or integrity of his or her
academic work and are prohibited.”
Such acts include, but are not limited to: copying from the work of another, and/or allowing
another student to copy from one’s own work; unauthorized use of materials during exams; intentional or
unintentional failure to acknowledge the ideas or words of another that have been taken from any
published or unpublished source; placing one’s name on papers, reports, or other documents that are the
work of another individual; submission of work resulting from inappropriate collaboration or assistance;
submission of the same paper or project for separate courses without prior authorization by faculty
members; and/or knowingly aiding in or inciting the academic dishonesty of another.
Any incident of academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary action(s) as outlined in
SOU’s Code of Student Conduct. In case of loss, theft, destruction, or dispute over authorship, always
retain a copy of any work you produce and submit for grades. Retain all work that has been graded and
returned to you.
[I take academic integrity very seriously. Do not cheat or plagiarize in this class.]

Turnitin Originality Checker

Per SOU’s Code of Student Conduct, each student’s education is the product of their own
intellectual effort and engagement. Breaches of academic integrity compromise the overall quality of
scholarship and detract from the value of the SOU degree. In order to provide opportunities for the
instructor and students to review their work for originality, instructors may require students to submit all
or some of their work to Turnitin. In order to meet this requirement, students must agree to the Turnitin
End User License Agreement (EULA). Any work submitted to Turnitin without a EULA in place may not
be accepted by the instructor for credit. Any student who does not wish to accept the EULA in a course
where Turnitin is required should withdraw from the course. Learn more about Turnitin and review the
terms and conditions.

Emergency Notifications
SOU is committed to a safe community. Student, faculty and staff emails are automatically
enrolled in SOU Alert, the campus emergency communication system. In the event of emergency,
closure, or other significant disruption to campus operations, such as inclement weather, messages are
delivered via SOU Alert. To ensure timely notification, students, faculty, staff are strongly encouraged to
visit Inside SOU to register their cell phone numbers and/or add family members to the system. Campus
Public Safety is available 24 hours/day by dialing 541-552-6911. CPS responds to safety concerns,
incidents, and emergencies and can provide safety escorts to on-campus locations. CPS works in
collaboration with Ashland Police and Fire.

Statement on Title IX and Mandatory Reporting

Federal law requires that employees of institutions of higher learning (faculty, staff and
administrators) report to a Title IX officer any time they become aware that a student is a victim or
perpetrator of gender-based bias, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking.
Further, Oregon law requires a mandatory report to law enforcement of any physical or emotional abuse
of a child or other protected person, including elders and people with disabilities, or when a child or other
protected person is perceived to be in danger of physical or emotional abuse. If you are the victim of
sexual or physical abuse and wish to make a confidential disclosure please use SOU’s confidential
advising or SOU’s Anonymous Harassment, Violence, and Interpersonal Misconduct Reporting Form.

SOU Academic Support/Disability Resources

To support students with disabilities in acquiring accessible books and materials, and in planning
their study and time management strategies, SOU requires all professors to include information regarding
Academic Support and Disability Resources on course syllabi. It is the policy of Southern Oregon
University that no otherwise qualified person shall, solely by reason of disability, be denied access to,

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participation in, or benefits of any service, program, or activity operated by the University. Qualified
persons shall receive reasonable accommodation/ modification needed to ensure equal access to
employment, educational opportunities, programs, and activities in the most appropriate, integrated
setting, except when such accommodation creates undue hardship on the part of the provider. These
policies comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, and other applicable federal and state regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of
disability.
If you are in need of support because of a documented disability (whether it be learning, mobility,
psychiatric, health-related, or sensory) you may be eligible for academic or other accommodations
through Disability Resources. See the Disability Resources webpage for more information or to schedule
an appointment. If you are already working with Disability Resources, make sure to request your
accommodations for this course as quickly as possible to ensure that you have the best possible access
since these services are not retroactive.
Statement on Military and Other Forms of Active Service Duty
Pursuant to Oregon law, any student enrolled at a public university who is a member of the military, state
National Guard, or other federal or state service protected by ORS 352.293 who is ordered to active duty
for more than 30 consecutive days has the right to request accommodation for such service, subject to the
conditions and requirements of applicable Oregon law or regulation. Such accommodations may include,
but are not limited to, the right to withdraw from a course without penalty, a grade of Incomplete and
option to complete at a later date once service has concluded, and/or the right to credit for any tuition and
fees already paid, depending on the student's status.
Any student enrolled at a public university who is a member of the military, state National Guard,
or other federal or state service protected by ORS 352.293 who is ordered to active duty for fewer than 30
consecutive days and misses a course session, assignment, examination or other coursework due to
serving on active duty or is receiving medical treatment for an injury sustained on active duty has the
right to request accommodation for their service or medical treatment, subject to the conditions and
requirements of applicable Oregon law or regulation. Such accommodations may include, but are not
limited to, the right to submit any missed examination, assignment or other course requirement upon
completion of service or treatment; and/or the right to have a course grade assigned without submitting
missed assignment or examinations, should the instructor determine that sufficient work has been
assessed for the determination of a grade. Any student who expects to be called for active duty should
contact instructors as soon as possible to discuss accommodations.

Attendance and Financial Aid

Students who receive federal financial aid are required to attend and participate in all of the
courses for which they register, starting with the first week of class. For face-to-face courses, in-person
attendance is necessary. The US Department of Education (USDE) describes the following activities as
indicators of attendance and active participation (see the formal rules at the USDE website):
● Attending a synchronous class, lecture, recitation, or field or laboratory activity where there
is an opportunity for interaction between the instructor and students;
● Submitting an assignment;
● Taking an assessment or an exam;
● Participating in an interactive tutorial or webinar;
● Participating in an assigned study group, group project or an online discussion; or
● Interacting with an instructor about academic matters.
The following activities are not considered by the USDE to be indicators of first-week engagement:
● Living in campus housing or using an institutional meal plan,
● Logging into an online class or tutorial without any further participation, or
● Participating in academic counseling or advising.

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 Instructors will report students who are absent during the first week of an in-person course or
those who do not participate in an online course as described above. Any students who are reported as no-
shows will have their financial aid status reviewed and their award may be adjusted as a result.