Syllabus for JUS 66763/POL 70704: Theories of Crime and Delinquency

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=95 BGCOLOR="#999999" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="048005f0ermwup.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Professor Mark Colvin's Web Page</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Professor Mark Colvins Web Page"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Meet Your Instructor"><U>Meet Your Instructor</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Announcements"><U>Announcements</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Related Links"><U>Related Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Dr. Colvin"><U>Contact Dr. Colvin</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Syllabus for JUS 66764: Juvenile Justice"><U>Syllabus for JUS 66764: Juvenile Justice</U></A>   |   <B>Syllabus for JUS 66763/POL 70704: Theories of Crime and Delinquency</B>   |   <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Syllabus for JUS 66770/POL 70702: Justic"><U>Syllabus for JUS 66770/POL 70702: Justice Institutions</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=190 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="0a2a98b0.png" border=0 width="169" height="139" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=385 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Syllabus for JUS 66763/POL 70704: Theories of Crime and Delinquency</div> <div>                                                      Kent State University</div> <div>                                              Department of Justice Studies</div> <bR> <div> JUS 66763/POL 70704                                                      Office: 113 Bowman Hall</div> <div> Theories of Crime and Delinquency                                  Office Phone: (330) 672-0319</div> <div> Fall Semester, 2004                                                           Office Hours: By Appointment</div> <div> Instructor: Dr. Mark Colvin                                                  E-mail: mcolvin1@kent.edu</div> <div>                                </div> <div>              Professor Colvin's Web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~suzannecolvin</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Course Objectives</U></B></div> <bR> <div> 1) Understand and critically review the major theoretical perspectives related to the causes of crime and delinquency.</div> <bR> <div> 2) Recognize the domain assumptions of each theoretical perspective and how these assumptions shape the tenets of specific theories.</div> <bR> <div> 3) Apply theories to understanding real-world cases of crime and criminals.</div> <bR> <div> 4) Review and report on empirical tests of specific theories and critique the methods, measurements, and conclusions of these empirical analyses.</div> <bR> <div> 5) Understand the policy implications of each theoretical perspective.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Class Schedule</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Classes are held on Tuesday nights from 7:00-9:30 p.m.  Class begins August 31.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Course Readings</U></B>  (All required. Books available in bookstore. Excerpt and article in “Additional Reading Packet” available in Justice Studies Department office for $4.00):</div> <bR> <div> Book: CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY, PAST TO PRESENT: ESSENTIAL READINGS, <B>2nd Edition,</B> edited by Francis T. Cullen and Robert Agnew. Roxbury Publishing Co. (ISBN: 1891487558).</div> <bR> <div> Book: ALL GOD'S CHILDREN by Fox Butterfield. Alfred A. Knopf </div> <div> (ISBN: 0380728621).</div> <bR> <div> Excerpt (Chapters 3, 4 and 5) from book CRIME AND COERCION by Mark Colvin.</div> <bR> <div> Article: “Crime and Coercion: A Test of Core Propositions” by James Unnever, Mark Colvin, and Francis T. Cullen. <I>Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency</I>, August 2004.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Weekly Topics and Readings</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Aug. 31 - Introduction and Overview of the Course</div> <div> Students will select weeks (beginning Sept. 14) from the syllabus to present reports on articles (that can be found in the library or on-line) that present empirical tests of theories.  In consultation with the instructor, students may choose from <U>empirical</U> articles listed in reference sections that are contained in the book CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY. Depending on student enrollment, more than one student may be presenting empirical articles.  These should be related, if possible, to the general topic and theories discussed for the week of the presentation. (<B>See # 4 under Course Requirements, which is related to # 3.)</B></div> <bR> <div> Sept. 7 - Origins of Criminological Theory and the Focus on the Individual.</div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY pp. 1 - 47 and pp. 64-93 (Be prepared to discuss questions at the end of each chapter.)</div> <bR> <div> Sept. 14 - Communities, Social Organization, Disorganization and Crime</div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY pp. 95-123 (Be prepared to discuss questions at end of each chapter.)</div> <div> Read ALL GOD'S CHIILDREN, Prologue (pp. xi-xv) and pp. 3-45.</div> <div> Student presentation of empirical article.</div> <bR> <div> Sept. 21 - Social Learning and Cultural Deviance Theories.</div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY pp. 125-169 (Be prepared to discuss questions at the end of each chapter.)</div> <div> Read ALL GOD'S CHILDREN pp. 46-87.</div> <div> Student presentation of empirical article.</div> <bR> <div> Sept. 28 - Anomie and Strain Theories of Crime</div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY pp. 171-217 (Be prepared to discuss questions at the end of each chapter.)</div> <div> Read ALL GOD'S CHILDREN pp. 88-149.</div> <div> Student presentation of empirical article. </div> <bR> <div> Oct. 5 - Control Theories of Crime</div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY pp. 219-261. (Be prepared to discuss questions at the end of each chapter.)</div> <div> Read ALL GOD'S CHILDREN pp. 150- 203.</div> <div> Student presentation of empirical article.</div> <bR> <div> Oct. 12 - Rational Choice and Routine Activities Theories</div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY pp. 263-293. (Be prepared to discuss questions at the end of each chapter.)</div> <div> Read ALL GOD'S CHILDREN pp. 204-280.</div> <div> Student presentation of empirical article.</div> <bR> <div> Oct. 19 - Labeling Theories of Crime and Deviance </div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY, pp. 295-332. (Be prepared to discuss questions at the end of each chapter.) </div> <div> Read ALL GOD'S CHILDREN, pp. 283-331.</div> <div> Student presentation of empirical article.</div> <bR> <div> Oct. 26 -   <B>MIDTERM EXAM </B>from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. (<B>See # 1 under Course</B></div> <div> <B>                 Requirements.)</B></div> <bR> <div> Nov. 2 - Election Day: Vote and Watch the Returns (No Class)</div> <bR> <div> Nov. 9 - Developmental and Life-Course Theories</div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY pp. 441-482 and pp. 379-386 (Be prepared to discuss questions at the end of each chapter.)</div> <div> Read Excerpt, Chapter 3 of CRIME AND COERCION.</div> <div> Student presentation of empirical article.</div> <bR> <div> Nov. 16 - Critical Criminology: Economy, State, and Coercive Cultural Processes</div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY pp. 333-378 and pp. 387-395 (Be prepared to discuss questions at the end of each chapter.)</div> <div> Read Excerpt, Chapter 4 of CRIME AND COERCION.</div> <div> Student presentation of empirical article.</div> <bR> <div> Nov.23 - Feminist Theories: Gender, Power, and Crime.</div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY pp. 397-440.</div> <div> Student presentation of empirical article.</div> <bR> <div> Nov. 30 - Integrated Theories of Crime</div> <div> Read CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY pp. 483-542.</div> <div> Student presentation of empirical article.</div> <bR> <div> Dec. 7 - Rational, Emotional, and Situational Foreground Factors in Crime </div> <div> Read Excerpt, Chapter 5 of CRIME AND COERCION.</div> <div> Read article “Crime and Coercion: A Test of Core Propositions.”</div> <div> <B>    [Paper Due Tonight: See # 3 under Course Requirements.]</B></div> <bR> <div> Dec. 14 - <B>FINAL EXAM  (7:00-9:30 p.m.) (See #2 under Course Requirements.)</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Course Requirements</U></B>:</div> <bR> <div> 1.  <B>Midterm Exam</B> on Oct. 26 (<B>0 to 24 points</B>).  A closed-book, in-class set of short-answer and essay questions covering all reading material and class materials from Aug. 31 through Oct. 19.  [Note: <B>No make-up exam</B> will be given <B>unless</B> the student has a <U>verified</U> medical or other emergency.  It is the student's responsibility to contact the professor within one week of the missed exam with verification of an emergency and to schedule a make-up.  The make-up must be taken within two weeks of the missed exam.  Any anticipated conflicts that students know about prior to the exam must be resolved with the professor by no later than Oct. 5.]</div> <bR> <div> 2.  <B>Final Exam</B> on Dec. 14, 7:00-9:30 p.m. (<B>0 to 25 points</B>).  A closed-book, in-class set of short-answer and essay questions covering any assigned reading material, class discussions, presentations, lectures, videos for the entire semester.  [Note: The Final Exam is offered on the day scheduled by the University; there are <U>no make-ups for the Final Exam</U>.  Also, note, we will begin the exam at 7:00 p.m. (instead of 8:15) since no other classes are scheduled for that time in our classroom.]</div> <bR> <div> 3.  <B>Written Paper Presentation: Critique of Empirical Studies of Theories </B>(<B>0 to 27 points</B>).  The paper involves a <U>thorough</U> written presentation and critique of <B><U>three</U></B> empirical studies that test criminological theories.  These three articles that empirically test theories can focus on three tests of one theory or on three tests of three different of theories as the student wishes to choose.  Students are expected to locate empirical articles, develop a thorough review of each article, and critique the methodology, measurement of variables, and conclusions of each study.  Many empirical studies are listed in the reference sections located throughout the reader, CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY.  Students can also locate more recent articles in the following academic journals: <I>Criminology, Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, Justice Quarterly, Social Problems, American Journal of Sociology, American Sociological Review </I>or other major peer-reviewed journals that deal with criminological issues.  The articles can employ either quantitative or qualitative methods. <U>The articles must in some way involve a test of criminological theory</U>.  Expect to write a paper of about 21 pages in length (double-spaced in 12 point type) or about 7 pages for each of the three articles reviewed and critiqued.  You should give a complete citation of the article, identify the theory (or theories) that is tested in the study, give a summary in your own words of the theory (or theories) being tested, describe the study's design (its the sample, its use of cross-sectional or longitudinal design, its use of individual-level or aggregate-level data), the measurement of key variables, a description of the analysis used, the study's conclusions and limitations, and your own careful critique of the study, including a critique of the study's methods, measurements, and conclusions.  You must attach copies of the first page of each article which probably contains an abstract of the article.  The paper should demonstrate a <U>graduate level</U> understanding of the theories tested and of the methodologies used in the studies.  The grade will be based on your understanding of these items and on the writing and organization of the three-part paper.  <B>This paper is due on December 7.</B>  <U>Points will be deducted at a rate of 2 points per day for late papers.  No papers will be accepted after Wednesday, Dec. 15.</U></div> <bR> <div> 4.  <B>Oral Class Presentation of an Empirical Study</B> (<B>0 to 12 points</B>).  During the first meeting, students will select a class session and topic area from which they can locate an empirical study to present orally to the class. (Students should check the references located in Introduction Sections for each major theoretical perspective and at the beginning of individual articles.)  You can use one of the articles for this oral presentation that you will be reviewing in the Paper discussed above in # 3.  Handouts and overheads may useful in facilitating the presentation.  If you want to conduct a power point presentation, let the instructor know at least a week in advance so that a projector can be brought to class. </div> <bR> <div> 5.  <B>Attendance and Class Participation</B> (<B>0 to 12 points</B>).  Students are expected to attend class regularly and be <B><U>actively</U></B> involved in class discussions and participation in other classroom activities. </div> <bR> <div> Note: there is a total of 100 possible points that can be earned for the course.</div> <bR> <div> Letter Grades are as follows:  </div> <bR> <div> A = 94-100 points</div> <div> A- = 90-93.9 points</div> <div> B+ = 88-89.9 points</div> <div> B = 83-87.9 points</div> <div> B-  =  80-82.9 points</div> <div> C+ = 77-79.9 points</div> <div> C = 72-76.9 points</div> <div> C- = 70-71.9 points</div> <div> D = 60-69.9 points</div> <div> F = 59.9 or less points</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Students with Disabilities</U></B></div> <bR> <div> In accordance with University policy, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester or when given an assignment for which an accommodation is required.  Students with disabilities must verify eligibility through the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) in the Michael Schwartz Student Services Center: (phone: 330-672-3391).</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Policies on Plagiarism and Cheating</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Students enrolled in the university, at all its campuses, are to perform their academic work according to standards set by faculty members, departments, schools and colleges of the university; and cheating and plagiarism constitute fraudulent misrepresentation for which no credit can be given and for which appropriate sanctions are warranted and will be applied.  The University policy on cheating and plagiarism can be found at the following Web site: https://www.educ.kent.edu/community/DOCWHIZ/digscap.html</div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>