Department of Criminal Justice Education

CRI 318/L – Course Syllabus

COURSE INFORMATION
1. Course Number : CRI 318/L
2. Course Name : Questioned Document Examination
3. Course Description : The course covers the scientific methods of identification and examination of questionable documents,
handwriting examination, detection of forgery, falsification and counterfeiting of documents which stress
the procedures of restoring and deciphering erasures and obliterations; examination of documents by means
of visible light, ultra-violet and ultra-red radiation and colored powders; recognition and selection of
standards; and examination of questionable typewriting, computerized documents and other forms of
modern printing.
4. Pre-requisite : None
5. Co-requisite : CRI 311/L
6. Credit : 3.0 units Lecture with 1 unit Lab
7. Class/Lab Schedule : 12 hours per week

8. Program Educational Objectives (PEO) of Bachelor of Science in Criminology:

Five (5) years after graduation, graduates of the BS Criminology shall:
1. Demonstrate technical and professional expertise in the practice of Criminology.

2. Show professionalism in the practice of Criminology through ethical conduct and professional development pursuits.

9. Student Outcomes (SO) of Bachelor of Science in Criminology and their links to PEO:
Note: * SO being addressed in this course
PEO
Upon completion of the program, Criminology students will be able to:
1 2
SOa* Articulate and discuss the latest developments in the specific field of practice; √ √
SOb Effectively communicate orally and in writing using both English and Filipino;
SOc Work effectively and independently in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams;
SOd Act in recognition of professional, social and ethical responsibility; √
SOe Preserve and promote “Filipino historical and cultural heritage”;
SOf* Conduct criminological research and further studies; √
SOg Ensure public safety and order maintenance;
SOh Prevent, suppress and control crime; √
SOi* Investigate and detect crime; √ √
SOj* Enforce laws, rules and regulations; √ √
SOk* Protect lives and properties;
SOl* Conduct criminological research on crimes, crime causation, victims and offenders to include deviant behavior; √ √
SOm* Internalize the concepts of human rights and victim welfare; √
Demonstrate competence and broad understanding in law enforcement administration, public safety and
SOn* √ √
criminal justice;
SOo* Utilize criminalistics or forensics or forensic science in the investigation and detection of crime; √ √
SOp Apply the principles and jurisprudence of criminal law, evidence and criminal procedure;
SOq Ensure offenders’ welfare and development for their re-integration to the community;
An ability to participate in various types of employment, development activities and public discourses particularly
SOr* √ √
in response to the needs of the communities one serves.

10. Course Outcomes (CO) of CRI 318/L and their links to SO:
Upon completion of the course, Criminology Student Outcomes (SO)
students of the BSC program are expected
to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r
Explain and define questioned
CO 1 I I I
documents, words and phrases

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 Department of Criminal Justice Education
CRI 318/L – Course Syllabus

used in questioned document

examinations and the different
classification of questioned
documents.
Prove indications of genuineness
and falsification of documents and
CO 2 the different instruments used in P I I
document examinations.
Familiarized the laws on forgeries,
CO 3 falsifications of documents and I
counterfeiting.
Legend:
I= Introduced. Introduced concepts / principles
P = Practice. Practice with supervision
D = Demonstrate. Demonstrated across different clinical setting with minimal supervision

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CRI 318/L – Course Syllabus

PEO
Vision: By 2022, a globally recognized
vision
institution providing quality, affordable and
1. Demonstrate technical and
open education.
professional expertise in the
Mission: Provide a dynamic and supportive
academic environment through the highest practice of criminology.
standard of instruction, research and extension
in a non-sectarian institution committed to 2. Show professionalism in the
democratizing access to education. practice of criminology through
Values: Excellence, Honesty and Integrity,
ethical conduct and professional
Innovation and Teamwork
development pursuits.
Core Competency: Quality, Affordable, and
Open Education

STUDENTS OUTCOMES
a. Articulate and discuss the latest developments in CO
the specific field of practice;
b. Effectively communicate orally and in writing using
both English and Filipino;
c. Work effectively and independently in multi- 1. Explain and define questioned documents,
disciplinary and multi-cultural teams; words and phrases used in questioned document
d. Act in recognition of professional, social and ethical examinations and discuss the different
responsibility; classification of questioned documents.
e. Preserve and promote “Filipino historical and
cultural heritage”;
f. Conduct criminological research and further studies; 2. Prove indications of genuineness and
g. Ensure public safety and order maintenance; falsification of documents and Identify and use the
h. Prevent, suppress and control crime; different instruments used in document
i. Investigate and detect crime;
examinations.
j. Enforce laws, rules and regulations;
k. Protect lives and properties;
l. Internalize the concepts of human rights and victim 3. Familiarized the laws on forgeries, falsifications
welfare; of documents and counterfeiting.
m. Internalize the concepts of human rights and
victim welfare;
n. Demonstrate competence and broad
understanding in law enforcement administration,
public safety and criminal justice;
o. Utilize criminalistics or forensics or forensic science
in the investigation and detection of crime;
p. Apply the principles and jurisprudence of criminal
law, evidence and criminal procedure;
q. Ensure offenders’ welfare and development for
their re-integration to the community;
r. An ability to participate in various types of
employment, development activities and public
discourses particularly in response to the needs of the
communities’ one serves.

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CRI 318/L – Course Syllabus

11. CO and Assessment Task Alignment

CO Assessment Task Assessment Schedule Coverage

Theory-based Practice-based
- Understanding of
Questioned Document
- Role of Practicing
Questioned Document
Examiners
– The Service Paradigm on
Questioned Document
Examination
– Classes of Questioned
Document Examination
Practices
– Enabling Laws on
Explain and define
Questioned Document
questioned documents,
Examination Practices
words and phrases used in
– Category of Examination
1 questioned document Multiple Choice Short Essay First and Second
– Reception on Questioned
examinations and discuss Questions Examination
Document Examination
the different classification
– Releases and issuance of
of questioned documents.
Examination Findings and
Opinion
– Procedure on Questioned
Document Examination
– Applicable Tools and
Equipment in Questioned
Document Examination
– Development of
Handwriting System and
Evolution of Alphabet

– The Writing Instrument

– Conducting Laboratory
Examination
– Utilization of Questioned
Document Examination
Findings for Judicial
Administration
– The Handwriting
Prove indications of
Third Examination Characteristics
genuineness and
– Types of Handwriting
falsification of documents
2 Multiple Choice Laboratory Forgery
and Identify and use the
Questions Final Examination – Principles of Handwriting
different instruments used
Examination and
in document examinations.
Identification
– Examination and
identification of
Handwriting Examination
– identification of
Typewriting Principles of
Typewriting Examination
and Identification

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– Examination of Philippine
Monetary Currency
– Examination and
Identification of Stamp
Impressions
– Identification of Pen NIB
– Examination of Ink
– Examination of Altered
Familiarized the laws on Document
forgeries, falsifications of – The Contents of
3 Multiple Choice Laboratory Final Examination
documents and Examination Report
Questions
counterfeiting. – The Questioned Document
Examiner in Court Litigation
Proceeding
– Disqualifications of
Questioned Document
Expert Witness and
Nullification of Testimony
– Trial Guide for Questioned
Document ExpertWitness
Note: Final assessment will be a comprehensive examination (from first topic to the last).

12. Assessment Task Details (Theory-based)

Assessment Coverage Assessment Task Details

Schedule
You are expected to establish deep of questioned document
examination as well as the role of practicing questioned document
Chapter Multiple Choice Questions
First Exam examiners. This includes the service paradigm on questioned
1–5 (80% of the exam)
document examination and the enabling laws that govern the
practice of questioned document examination.
You are expected to acquaint of the categories and reception of
Chapter Multiple Choice Questions examinations used in questioned document including its procedures
Second Exam
6 – 12 (80% of the exam) and applicable tools and equipments with its relationship to the
development of handwriting system and evolution of alphabet.
You are expected to conduct laboratory examination on questioned
document utilizing its findings for judicial administration through
Chapter Multiple Choice Questions
Third Exam identifying indicators for falsification such as the characteristics of
13 – 19 (70% of the exam)
handwriting, types of handwriting forgery guided by the principles of
handwriting and typewriting examination and identification.
You are expected to develop questioned document examination
Chapter Multiple Choice Questions
Final Exam report and practice the role of questioned document expert in court
20 – 28 (70% of the exam)
litigation proceedings.

13. Assessment Task Details (Practice/Performance-based)

Assessment
Coverage Assessment Task Details
Schedule
 In this task, you are required to write a short essay explaining the
importance of questioned document examination.
 The short essay will be on-the-spot and should only be written in
the last page of the examination booklet.
Chapter Practical Exam
First Exam  Students will be graded according to the following criteria (see
1–5 (20% of the exam)
attached rubric):
1. Depth of analysis (40 points)
2. Coherence of discussion (50 points)
3. Academic literacy (10 points)
 In this task, you are required to write a short essay discussing the
Chapter Practical Exam
Second Exam procedures and reception in questioned document examination.
6 – 12 (20% of the exam)
 Students will be graded according to the following criteria(see

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CRI 318/L – Course Syllabus

attached rubric):
1. Understanding of the examination procedure (30
points)
2. Organization of the reception (30 points)
3. Orderliness of the procedure (30 points)
4. Academic literacy (10 points)
 The purpose of this task is for you to conduct actual laboratory
examination on questioned document followed by identifying
handwriting characteristics.
 Students will be graded according to the following criteria(see
attached rubric):
Handwriting Analysis

5 (Excellent) – equivalent grade of 100 -94

Illustrated exceptional knowledge in analyzing handwritings and
demonstrate excellent use of critical analysis in determining the:
o Points of similarities
o Points of Dissimilarities
o Degree of slant and slopes
o Class characteristics of the handwriting
o Individual characteristic of the handwriting
o Conclusion of the comparison

4 (Very Satisfactory) – equivalent grade of 93 -87

Illustrated thorough knowledge in analyzing handwritings.
Demonstrate good analysis in determining the:
o Points of similarities
o Points of Dissimilarities
o Degree of slant and slopes
o Class characteristics of the handwriting
o Individual characteristic of the handwriting
o Conclusion of the comparison
Chapter 13 – Practical Exam
Third Exam
19 (30% of the exam) 3 (Satisfactory) – equivalent grade of 86 -80
Illustrated some knowledge of handwriting analysis and showed
adequate range of analysis but lacks detail in determining the:
o Points of similarities
o Points of Dissimilarities
o Degree of slant and slopes
o Class characteristics of the handwriting
o Individual characteristic of the handwriting
o Conclusion of the comparison

2 (Poor) – equivalent grade of 79 -73

Illustrated lesser knowledge of handwriting analysis. Use of critical
analysis and interpretation is in minimal substance in determining
the:
o Points of similarities
o Points of Dissimilarities
o Degree of slant and slopes
o Class characteristics of the handwriting
o Individual characteristic of the handwriting
o Conclusion of the comparison

1 (Very Poor) – 72 & below

Illustrated little or no knowledge; lacking analysis and interpretation
of the material in determining the:
o Points of similarities
o Points of Dissimilarities
o Degree of slant and slopes

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CRI 318/L – Course Syllabus

o Class characteristics of the handwriting

o Individual characteristic of the handwriting
o Conclusion of the comparison

 The purpose of this task is for you to apply all their learning and
using their findings as the basis for creating their report as an
expert questioned document examiner.

5 (Excellent) – equivalent grade of 100 -94

Illustrated exceptional knowledge in analyzing currency and
demonstrate excellent use of critical analysis in determining the:
o Focal points of authenticity of the currency/document
o Signs of counterfeiting
o Conclusion of the analysis
o The individual characteristic of the document through UV
light.

4 (Very Satisfactory) – equivalent grade of 93 -87

Illustrated thorough knowledge in analyzing currency. Demonstrate
good analysis in determining the:
o Focal points of authenticity of the currency/document
o Signs of counterfeiting
o Conclusion of the analysis
o The individual characteristic of the document through UV
light.

3 (Satisfactory) – equivalent grade of 86 -80

Chapter 20 – Practical Exam Illustrated some knowledge of currency analysis and showed
Final Exam
28 (30% of the exam) adequate range of analysis but lacks detail in determining the:
o Focal points of authenticity of the currency/document
o Signs of counterfeiting
o Conclusion of the analysis
o The individual characteristic of the document through UV
light.

2 (Poor) – equivalent grade of 79 -73

Illustrated lesser knowledge of currency analysis. Use of critical
analysis in determining the:
o Focal points of authenticity of the currency/document
o Signs of counterfeiting
o Conclusion of the analysis
o The individual characteristic of the document through UV
light.

1 (Very Poor) – 72 & below

Illustrated little or no knowledge; lacking analysis and interpretation
in determining the:
o Focal points of authenticity of the currency/document
o Signs of counterfeiting
o Conclusion of the analysis
o The individual characteristic of the document through UV
light.

14. COURSE OUTLINE AND TIME FRAME

TIME
TOPICS TLA Required Readings
FRAME

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CRI 318/L – Course Syllabus

Week 1 to  Orientation on Classroom and University  Orientation

Week 3 Policies as well as Grading System -self introduction

 Discussion of PEO, SO, and CO  Lecture/Discussion using

chain of event

 Orientation of the grading system , seat  Lecture/Discussion

plan, distribution of topics for research
 Group dynamics using
envoy/issue circle
Mendoza, G., (2012). The
 Chapter 1 – Understanding of Questioned questioned document examination
Document  Bubble quotes
and practices. Quezon City:
Student will able to understand and give Wiseman’s Book Trading.
emphasis on the definition of questioned Pages 1-22
 E-learning (LMS
document.
Quipper)
 Chapter 2 – Role of Practicing Questioned
Document Examiners
 Chapter 3 – The Service Paradigm on
Questioned Document Examination
 Chapter 4 – Classes of Questioned
Document Examination Practices
 Chapter 5 – Enabling Laws on Questioned
Document Examination Practices
 Chapter 6 – Category of Examination

FIRST EXAMINATION
 Chapter 7 – Reception on Questioned  Lecture/Discussion
Document Examination  Assignment
 Chapter 8 – Releases and issuance of  Lecture Mendoza, G. 2012. The Questioned
Week 4 Examination Findings and Opinion  Assignment Document Examination and
to
 Chapter 9 – Procedure on Questioned  Research on applicable Practices. Wiseman’s Books Trading,
Week 5
Document Examination tools in questioned Quezon City, Philippines. Pages 22-
 Chapter 10 – Applicable Tools and Equipment document examination 54).
in Questioned Document Examination  E-learning (LMS
 Chapter 11 – Development of Handwriting Quipper) .
System and Evolution of Alphabet
SECOND EXAMINATION
Week 6  Chapter 12 – The Writing Instrument  Lecture/Discussion
to  Chapter 13 – Conducting Laboratory
Week 7 Examination  Demonstration
 Chapter 14 – Utilization of Questioned
Document Examination Findings for Judicial  Laboratory in actual Mendoza, G., (2012). The
Administration questioned document questioned document examination
 Chapter 15 – The Handwriting Characteristics examination and practices. Quezon City:
 Chapter 16 – Types of Handwriting Forgery Wiseman’s Book Trading.
 Chapter 17 – Principles of Handwriting Pages 55-138
Examination and Identification  E-learning (LMS
 Chapter 18 – Examination and identification Quipper)
of Handwriting Examination
 Chapter 19 – identification of Typewriting
Principles of Typewriting Examination and
Identification
THIRD EXAMINATION

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CRI 318/L – Course Syllabus

Week 8  Chapter 20 – Examination of Philippine  Lectures

to Monetary Currency
Week 9  Chapter 21 – Examination and Identification  Demonstration/Film
of Stamp Impressions Viewing
 Chapter 22 – Identification of Pen NIB
 Chapter 23 – Examination of Ink  Laboratory on Currency Mendoza, G., (2012). The
 Chapter 24 – Examination of Altered Analysis questioned document examination
Document
and practices. Quezon City:
 Chapter 25 – The Contents of Examination
Wiseman’s Book Trading.
Report  E-learning (LMS Pages 139-156
 Chapter 26 – The Questioned Document Quipper)
Examiner in Court Litigation Proceeding
 Chapter 27 – Disqualifications of Questioned
Document Expert Witness and Nullification
of Testimony
 Chapter 28 – Trial Guide for Questioned
Document Expert Witness
FINAL EXAMINATION

15. TEXTBOOK

Mendoza, G. (2012). The questioned document examination and practices.Quezon City, Philippines: Wiseman’s Books Trading.

16. REFERENCES

1. Allen, M. (2016). Foundation of Forensic Document Analysis: theory and practice. Hoboken, WJ: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2. Mendoza, G. (2012). The Questioned Document Examination and Practices. Quezon City, Philippines: Wiseman’s Books Trading.
3. Kalalang, S., & Kalalang, A. (2009), Questioned document examination: an instructional handbook. Quezon City, Philippines:
Wiseman’s Books Trading.
4. Sorra, M. (2011). Forged or Genuine?: a Questioned Document Handbook. Quezon City, Philippines: Wiseman's Books Trading.

EBOOKS
1. Mohammed, L. (2019). Forensic Examination of Signatures. Elsevier Science & Technology. Retrieve from
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uniofmindanao-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5786635
2. Allen, M. (2015). Foundations of Forensic Document Analysis : Theory and Practice 1st Ed. John Wiley & Sons,
Incorporated. Retrieve from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uniofmindanao-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4038149
3. Lewis, J. (2014). Forensic Document Examination : Fundamentals and Current Trends. Academic Press. Retrieve from
http://site.ebrary.com/lib/alltitles/docDetail.action?docID=10839255

17. COURSE EVALUATION

Assessment methods Weights

LECTURE 40%
EXAMINATIONS 60%
Exam 1 10%
Exam 2 10%
Exam 3 10%
Exam 4 30%
CLASS PARTICIPATIONS 40%
Assignments 5%
Quizzes 10%
Oral Recitation 10%
Research 15%
TOTAL 100%
LABORATORY 60 %

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CRI 318/L – Course Syllabus

EXAMINATIONS 60%
Exam 1 15%
Exam 2 15%
Final Exam 20%
LAB EXERCISES/ ASSIGN/ FIELD WORK 40%
LAB QUIZZES 10%
TOTAL 100%

18. POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

a. Attendance is counted from the first regular class meeting.

b. A validated student identification card must always by worn be all students while attending classes.
c. Cheating is strictly prohibited. Any form of dishonesty shall be dealt with accordingly. Honesty is called for at all times.
d. Valid examination permits are necessary in taking the examinations as scheduled.
e. Base-15 grading policy should be observed. Students who obtained failing scores in major exams are recommended to attend the
tutorial class.

Prepared by: Textbook and References Verified by:

LEA L. LEGARDA, RCrim

Reviewed by: Recommending approval:

JUN MARK A. ASIS, MSCrim

Program Head

Approved by:

Rev. 0/ Effectivity: August 2020

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