Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Summer Semester 2026

Research Methods in Criminal Justice (Online)

CJ 2500-30I

Course: CJ 2500-30I
Credits: 3
Term: Summer Semester 2026
Department: PSCJ
CRN: 20578

Course Description

This is an introduction to the research process in criminal justice. Students will become familiar with the scientific research process, including data collection and understanding the link between theory and research. (Fall, Spring, Summer - Even Years) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): CJ 1010 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: D-

Required Texts

N/A

Learning Outcomes

-Knowledge of research methods: The class will become familiar with the
terminology associated with research in criminal justice and the social sciences.
-Communication: We will develop writing skills and learn how to articulate their
arguments and ideas more thoroughly.
-Inquiry and Analysis: Our class will learn how to recognize academic research
and evaluate the rigor of research, as well as conduct their own research.

Course Requirements

Research topic proposal: 25 points
Literature review: 30 points
Methodology and elements: 50 points
Five activites: 50 points
Two exams: 150 points
Participation: 90 points
Final paper: 100 points

Course Outline

 | Week 1   May 11-May 17   | Welcome Section 1      Chapter 1 | -Introduction Post (May 17)
| Week 2   May 18-May 24   | Section 1       Chapter 2       Chapter 3   | -Research Topic (May 21) -Activity 1 (May 24)
| Week 3   May 25-May 31   | Section 2      Chapter 4      Chapter 5 | -Literature Review (May 28) -Activity 2 (May 31)
| Week 4   June 1-June 7   | Section 2       Chapter 8       Chapter 6 | -Methodology and Elements (June 4)  -Exam 1 (June 7)
 | Week 5  June 8-June 14   | Section 3      Chapter 7      Chapter 9            | -Activity 3 (June 14)
 | Week 6   June 15-June 21   | Section 3      Chapter 10      Chapter 11  | -Final Paper (June 21) -Activity 4 (June 21)
| Week 7  June 22-June 28| Section 3      Wrap-up        | -Activity 5 (June 25) -Exam 2 (June 28)

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

If you miss an assignment, make-ups will rarely be permitted. You will have ample time to complete these. If you do, however, run into an issue, you need to let me know as soon as possible. Coming to me at the end of the semester saying you forgot will not be an approved reason to make-up the assignment. In some instances, assignments may only be made up for partial credit. This will be decided on an as needed basis. 

If you turn in your writing/research assignments late, you will lose 1 point per day, up until 3 days after the assignment is due.  No papers will be accepted after the 3-day period without approval by the instructor (and proper late penalties will be applied).

You are always more than welcome to turn in assignments early, and it is in your best interest to talk to me sooner rather than later regarding conflicts.

Attendance Policy

Each video recording will include one or two “quizzes” throughout the video. These will be graded as participation points. They will directly align with content from that chapter recording in order to ensure you are paying attention but also allow you a chance to apply some of the concepts. 

There may also be a few required discussion posts.

Course Fees

$12 fee

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.