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ADMJUS-120 - Introduction to Corrections - Robert Farkas

Course:Introduction to Corrections
Professor:Robert Farkas
Email:robert.farkas@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Greetings and Welcome! 

I am Robert Farkas, and I am looking forwards to this experience with you and others who are taking “Administration of Justice 120 – Introduction to Corrections.”  I have been teaching Administration of Justice classes at College of the Canyons since 2018. 

I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Management and have recently been awarded with a master’s degree in Public Administration.  I retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, as a Lieutenant at Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.  I have worked many positions within the Sheriff’s Department such as Patrol Deputy, Gang Investigator, Field Training Officer, Off-Road Enforcement Deputy, Sergeant, Use of Force Investigator, Detective Sergeant, and Station Watch Commander (Lieutenant) to name a few.  Prior to my service with the Sheriff’s Department, I was in the United States Army, working as a Helicopter Gunship Crew Chief and an Infantryman for 7 years. 

Throughout my young life I had many people assist me in my career choice.  My goal here is to assist others who are seeking a career in any of the careers categorized within the Law Enforcement community. Any of the positions in Law Enforcement can be incredibly rewarding for you and your family.  I am here for you so do not hesitate to ask my any questions regarding this career.  The only bad questions are the questions that are not asked! 

Course Description

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and crisis, the College has balanced the safety of students, faculty, and staff with the goal of continuing instruction.  As such, this course will be 100% Online Education. 

This course is managed through Canvas, the College’s Learning Management System.  To take this course, you must have access to a computer, internet services, and a COC email account.  This course will be conducted using both synchronous and asynchronous methods of instruction.  All communications will be done through the Canvas modules, including announcements, emails, discussion boards.  We will also be using the Zoom conference rooms to hold classroom discussions.  If necessary, phone conferences will also be available as an additional form of communication.  This course requires a great deal of discipline, organization, reading, and participation several days a week to be successful.  You will also need to check your COC email account regularly for important class instruction and for updated links to the Zoom chat room. 

In this course, we will analyze the concept of corrections in the United States.  This course will use the Socratic method which is a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue designed to stimulate critical thinking to draw out ideas and underlying presumptions.  We will use case studies and case briefs to identify and analyze the relevant legal, social, and ethical issues presented.  This interactive approach is designed to enhance your problem-solving skills and to acquire skills as they relate to conducting investigations relying on fact-based evidence, legal reasoning, and effective written and oral communication.  By completing case studies and participating in the lectures, you will describe what the corrections system in the United States is and the processes involved in how this system works within the realm of criminal justice. 

What to Expect in this Course

Getting Started 

Using Canvas.  If you are unfamiliar with using Canvas and need help logging in, you can view several tutorials online: https://www.canyons.edu/administration/it/resources/canyonsid-student.php 

Login to Canvas:  https://coc.instructure.com 

Canyons ID Login for Students 

If you are having trouble getting into Canvas, call the helpdesk at (661) 362-3344 or by email at cvsupport@canyons.edu

Note:  The Canvas course site cannot be accessed until the first day of the scheduled semester. 

Important on First Day of Class  

To avoid being dropped from the course as a “No Show”, you must login to the course website on Canvas and complete a discussion board activity by 11:59 p.m. on the first day of class.  If you do not complete this assignment by the deadline, you will be dropped from this course.  Again, the website becomes available for student access at 8:00 a.m. and the assignment will be due no later than 11:59 p.m.  It is not enough to login to the Canvas course; you must also complete the discussion board activity to be counted as “present” in the course. 

Rules of Netiquette 

“Netiquette” is network etiquette, the do’s and don’ts of online communication.  Netiquette covers both common courtesies online and the informal “rules of the road” of cyberspace.  This link https://coursedesign.colostate.edu/obj/corerulesnet.html will take you to Colorado State University’s Core Rules of Netiquette. 

Required Online Skills 

Internet Service.  You will need reliable and consistent internet access with an up-to-date browser, such as Firefox or Chrome.  In the case of technical internet problems, you may make use of the computer labs located on campus at COC. 

Computer Skills.  A basic skill set in computer literacy will be necessary for this course.  You should be able to navigate the internet and should be able to create and handle basic documents, cut, copy, and paste, and manipulate basic email attachments. 

Page Break 

Preparation 

Distance Education classes are as rigorous as regular classes, and the time commitment is the same.  Your online classes are designed to require 9 hours of work each week, which is consistent with traditional courses.  Participation will be required, sometimes even more so than traditional classes.  DE formatted classes require a lot of reading.  Canvas allows for class discussion, quizzes, journals and exams.  Discussion boards will require thoughtful input, reflections, postings, and responses to your fellow classmates.  Quizzes and exams for this course will be open book and will allow sufficient time to research your answers.  It is highly recommended that you properly prepare and study the materials before attempting quizzes and exams.  You will also need to pay close attention to due dates and details.  You must complete all assignments in each individual module by the due dates for each assignment.  Late work will not be accepted.  

Types of Assessments

Assessments 

Assignments, Quizzes, Exams, Journals, Discussions, and Participation. 

Other Relevant Course Information 

Textbook Information

A majority of the materials required for this course will be provided by the instructor.

Textbook Information 

American Corrections 

Author:  Todd R. Clear, Michael D. Reisig & George F. Cole.  Publisher:  Cengage 

ISBN 9781337557658 

Other Relevant Course Information

Canvas 

The course can be accessed via Canvas at https://www.canyons.edu on the first day of the course.  Follow the login instructions at the bottom of the screen.  You can also access Canvas user guides with helpful tips for navigating and using Canvas.  For any Canvas related issues, please call the Canvas Student Support Line at (661) 362-3344, during college business hours, or (877) 889-9052 for support services 24/7. 

Distance Learning 

Check out the Distance Learning website at https://www.canyons.edu/academics/onlineeducation/studentsupport/canvasstudentguides.php for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success.  If this is your first online course, feel free to take the online learning readiness assessment to assess our skills. 

The Learning Center (TLC) 

The TLC provides FREE tutoring resources to students to include: 

  • Face-to-face on ONLINE tutoring. 

  • Testing Center offers test proctoring services for course that have required proctored exams. 

  • Study Jam Review Sessions. 

  • Computers with over 300 software programs. 

For more information visit the TLC website

Online Counseling 

The Counseling Department offers appointments online.  You can schedule an appointment by visiting on Online Counseling website at https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/counseling/index.php 

Academic Accommodation Center 

College of the Canyons Academic Accommodation Center provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC.  A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the College programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations.  For more information on their services visit the Academic Accommodation Center at https://www.https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/aac/ 

Management of Stress and Mental Health 

The Student Health & Wellness Center offers a wide range of confidential services including counseling and mental health services to help deal with academic pressures and other outside commitments such as work, family, and relationships.  Their web page can be located by clicking on this link https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/health/aboutus/index.php 

The National Suicide Hotline number is 1-800-273-8255. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can it call when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress. 

If there are any questions regarding this Orientation Letter, please email me at Robert.Farkas@canyons.edu.  

Remember, I am here to help you do your personal best! Enjoy your journey! 


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 11/11/2021 Sub#: 1143