Objectives
· To become familiar with criminological theories and apply them to real
world situations.
· To learn the differences between the economic, medical, and social models
of justice.
· To learn the theoretical basis for the “Broken Windows” theory.
· To learn the myths underlying mass incarceration and possible alternatives.
· To communicate ideas effectively in class and in writing.
· To learn to read newspaper articles and professional criminological writing
effectively.
· To learn the methods of writing a sociological research paper.
Books
· Lanier, Mark and Stuart Henry. 2004. Essential
Criminology. 2nd ed. Boulder, CO.: Westview Press.
· Clear, Todd. 2007. Imprisoning Communities: How Mass incarceration makes Disadvantaged Neighborhoods Worse. New York: Oxford.
· Kelling, George L. and Catherine M. Coles. 1996. Fixing Broken Windows: Restoring Order and Reducing Crime in Our Communities. New York: Touchstone.
· Vitale, Alex S. 2008. City of Disorder: How the Quality of Life Campaign Transformed New York Politics. New
York: NYU Press. (Optional)
All
books can be purchased at Shakespeare & Co., or from on-line bookstores. Used copies are fine, but make sure you get the
right edition.
Requirements
· Class Participation 15%: Students are expected to be in class on time and well prepared. This
means reading the assignment, considering the study questions, and participating in classroom discussions. You should be prepared
to be called upon to answer questions at any time.
·
Short Essay 15%: There will be a 3 page essay on mental illness and
crime.
·
Midterm Paper 25%: There will be a midterm paper of 4-5 pages that
uses materials from the Lanier and Henry book to analyze a recent news event. Papers that are turned in on time and receive
a grade below A- may be resubmitted the following week. Details of the assignment are on the web site.
·
Final Paper 45%: The final paper will be 9-10 page research paper. Students must investigate
some aspect of criminology that they find interesting and integrate concepts developed during the class into the paper. Details
of the assignment are on the web site.
Ground Rules
· If you miss class, contact the instructor by email before the next class
to receive any missed assignments, handouts, etc.
· Please do not disturb class with cell phones, side conversations, or
excessive eating in class
· Plagiarism (writing someone else’s words as your own), sharing
your exam or paper with another student, or copying another student’s paper or exam will result in an F in the course.
· If you feel you are not doing as well as you would like in the course
you should come and see me in my office or after class. Grades can not be adjusted after an assignment is completed or once
the semester is over.
Course
Schedule
Mon. 1/26
Defining Crime: Lanier and Henry Ch.1
Wed. 1/28 Measuring Crime: Lanier and Henry
Ch.2
Mon. 2/2 Video: The Crime of Insanity and Insanity handouts
Wed. 2/4 Classical,
Neoclassical, and Rational Choice Theories. Lanier and Henry Ch.3
Mon. 2/9 Biological
Theories. Lanier and Henry Ch.4
Wed. 2/11 Psychological Theories.
Lanier and Henry Ch.5
Wed. 2/18 Social Process Theories.
Lanier and Henry Ch.6 Essay 1 Due
Mon. 2/23 Failed
Socialization. Lanier and Henry Ch.7
Wed. 2/25 Social Ecology and Cultural
Theories. Lanier and Henry Ch.8
Mon. 3/2
Anomie, Strain, and Subcultural Theories. Lanier and Henry Ch.9
Wed. 3/4 Conflict and Radical
Theories. Lanier and Henry Ch.10
Mon. 3/9 Gender
Theories. Lanier and Henry Ch.11
Wed. 3/11 Globalization Theories. Lanier
and Henry Ch. 12
Mon. 3/16 Video: Juvenile Justice, Midterm Paper Due
Wed. 3/18 Clear Ch. 1
Mon. 3/23 Clear Ch. 2, Paper Returned
Wed. 3/25 Clear Ch. 3
Mon. 3/30 Clear Ch. 4, Revised Midterm Due
Wed. 4/1
Clear Ch. 5, Paper Topic Due
Mon. 4/6 Clear
Ch. 6
Mon. 4/20
Clear Ch. 7, Paper Topic Returned
Wed. 4/22 Clear Ch. 8 and Appendix, Research Question Due
Mon. 4/27 Kelling and
Coles Introduction and Ch. 1, Research
Question Returned
Wed. 4/29
Kelling and Coles Ch. 2,
Mon. 5/4 Kelling
and Coles Ch. 3, Annotated Bibliography
Due
Wed.
5/6 Kelling
and Coles Ch. 6, Bibliography Returned
Mon. 5/11 Vitale Ch. 4
Wed. 5/13 Vitale Ch. 6
Thurs. 5/21 Final Paper Due by 5PM
