Distance Learning Course Interaction Plan

 

 

Course Number and Title:  CRJ 102/Criminal Evidence

 

Instructor: Prof. Mónica H. Pérez, J.D.          

 

Telephone Number (if any):  413-552-2413  

 

Email Address:  mperez@hcc.mass.edu for general inquiries prior to registration

                        Once enrolled, use class e-mail only.    

 

Office Hours (if any):  TBA each term.           

 

Online Hours:  TBA each term.          

 

Communication Policy:  See E-Institute Communication Policy on Entry Page.  Students will  communicate in a professional and courteous manner utilizing communication tools as specified in the syllabus.

 

 

 

__X__ Asynchronous Course               ____ Synchronous Course

Asynchronous:              This kind of distance education is characterized by an emphasis on "learning on demand" or "as needed communication" between students and faculty from multiple locations at times convenient to participants.

 

Synchronous:                This form of distance education entails the use of live, two-way communication among and/or between students and faculty in a scheduled or "fixed" point(s) of time(s), much like classroom-based instruction.

 

 

Course Description:  Examination of the rules of evidence with emphasis on the best evidence rule, the hearsay rule, the exception to the rule, corpus delicti, opinion, direct evidence, circumstantial evidence, privileged communications, admissions and confessions, witnesses, courtroom procedure, and testifying in court.

 

PRE-REQUISITES: CRJ 100 and CRJ 112

 

 

Required Textbook & Materials:  See Syllabus on Course Home Page.

 

Course Objectives:

 

Students completing the course should be able to:

 

ü      define the term “evidence.”

ü      identify the basic types of evidence and explain admissibility of each.

ü      explain burden of proof in criminal trials.

ü      demonstrate familiarity with the Federal Rules of Evidence.

ü      demonstrate an understanding of how cases are evaluated and the process

used to ensure that evidence will be admissible in court.

ü      demonstrate familiarity with the process of direct and cross examination

of witnesses as well as testifying in court.

 

Methods of Instruction: Online – Distance Learning

 

Students are required to engage in the following interaction(s) for successful completion of this course:

 

ü      Independent reading of materials that provide the foundation for the course.

ü      Completion of critical thinking assignments that require the production of written reports.

ü      Complete quizzes, exams, and case briefing/analysis.

ü      Completion of a semester project.

ü      Active, consistent, and productive discussion on the course Bulletin Board.

ü      Completion of a comprehensive final examination.

 

This course may include, but not be restricted to, the following interactions:

1. in person meetings:  TBA upon student request.        

2. telephone interactions:  TBA upon student request.   

3. electronic interactions:  Required and preferred; use course e-mail as necessary.  See Syllabus for specific response times.                         

If yes, dates, times, places are to be specified…

 

Evaluation of Student’s Progress:

 

Points are earned for completing each assignment.  Assignments include but are not limited to introductory exercises, exams, research, discussion/participation, and a comprehensive final exam.  Consult assignment sheet for details.  Students may print an Evaluation Record (see icon on home page) to keep track of scores on the various assignments.

 

Ø      GRADING:  Grading of assignments begins after the preferred date expires.  Students can expect to receive scores within 7-10 days.  If a delay in grading is expected, the instructor will notify students accordingly.

Ø      DISCUSSION:  Discussion in this course is student-centered. The instructor provides topics to jump-start discussion; however, students should actively contribute discussion topics as well.  The instructor monitors discussion by reading all posts as well as providing clarification as deemed necessary to ensure accuracy of information.  In addition, compliance with the online Communication Policy as noted on the e-Institute Entry Page (General Information) is monitored. 

Ø      RUBRIC:  A rubric is a scoring grid used to determine the score for each assignment.  A detailed rubric is provided for students on the course home page.  Please review the rubric carefully before beginning writing assignments.  Grades will be reported to you in the context of the broad categories of Organization and Format, Content and Clarity, and Evaluations/Synthesis/Analysis.  If you don’t read the rubric, you won’t know what criteria are included in each category.