SOCIOLOGY 441: Criminology – FALL 2009 Section Syllabus Overview and Purpose Welcome to your section of Sociology 441! My name is Zach, and I will be your TA. In regards to content, there are three essential elements to this course: (1) lecture, (2) reading and (3) discussion. During his lectures, Prof. Burkhardt will focus on the broad content of this course, whether it be reiterating or supplementing the varied readings. On your own time, you will read the assigned materials before every lecture. In section, we will synthesize what you learned from both the lectures and the readings primarily through active discussion. Through this, you will develop a broad understanding of major criminological areas, and be cleverly tricked into enjoying your fifty minutes with me every week. Discussion sections are meant as a forum for collective evaluation and analysis of the weekly topic, focusing mainly on the course readings. I highly encourage you to develop your ability to think critically every day. In other words, I encourage you to continuously ask questions and closely examine every topic as if you were a criminologist yourself. Think about the strength and logic of the evidence used for arguments, the methodological approaches used to support those arguments, as well as the authors’ moral and professional motivation for developing these arguments. At all times, strive to think about both what is and isn’t being said. Remember that discussion sections complement both the lecture and your individual readings. It is meant as a supplement to improve your overall understanding, not as a substitute for either one. Expectations and Rules Your Discussion Section accounts for 13% of your final grade. If will be based primarily on participation, but attendance is key. Absences/Lateness: Attending both lecture and section every week is absolutely imperative to your success in this class. Out of respect for your classmates and me, please make it to class on time. If you are late to section by more than 15 minutes, you will not receive credit for participation. If you miss more than 3 discussion sections, you will receive zero credit for discussion section (13% off final grade). This includes excused absences. In rare circumstances, you can make-up your attendance and participation in a different section; however, you must contact me at least 2 days before section. I will be taking attendance at every discussion section. Participation: All types of discussion, whether in small groups, round-table, oral presentations or simply the Socratic Method, are essential in developing and solidifying the content from this course. Discussion will be something that you see over and over throughout your career, and it is for a good reason: it works! Section Info Teaching Assistant: Zach Baumgart Office: 8120 Sewell Social Science Building Office Hours: Wednesday 12:00 – 2:00 Phone: 608.262.6277 Email: [email protected] 301: 2:25-3:15M :: 6125 Social Sci 302: 1:20-2:10M :: 4322 Social Sci 303: 12:05-12:55M :: 6113 Social Sci 304: 1:20-2:10T :: 2637 Humanities 305: 12:05-12:55T :: 216 IngrahamSOCIOLOGY 441: Criminology – FALL 2009 Section Syllabus Remember, I am not a lecturer. For the most part, I do not intend to lecture, and I do not intend to be your personal tutor. Instead, I will help clarify confusing portions of the reading and guide critical discussions. I encourage all of you to bring up any concerns relevant to either lecture or the readings, which we as a class will collectively address. More likely than not, if you are confused about something, at least two or three quiet students are just as concerned. Your participation (and hence discussion grade) will be determined mostly by your contribution to discussions. Questions, responses, comments, rebuttals, etc will fulfill this requirement. Occasionally, there will be short, in-class assignments. These may take the form of a quiz on the readings or a simple activity to help guide your thinking on a specific topic. There may be other factors that contribute to participation, which we will discuss in class. If you miss class with a valid excuse, you have the opportunity to make-up your participation points. Simply write a short, (no more than one page) summary of one of the required readings of that week, and submit it to me no later than the following week. This can only be done twice throughout the semester. It will be graded based on insight and understanding of the material. A few other notes regarding participation: • Be prepared: Come to discussions having read and considered the readings, and reviewed your lecture notes. Bring the readings (let me know if this isn’t possible) and your notes, and be prepared to take notes during sections. Have questions prepared beforehand, and be ready to talk. • Be respectful: Arrive to class on time, and enter silently if you are late. Turn off your cell phones, iPods and other music players; put away your unrelated books, magazines and newspapers; if you have food, eat it quietly and non-barbarically; and remember to use your laptops only for class (I had a laptop as an undergrad, so I know the temptation. Please, make it easier on all of us, and stay in Word). Most importantly, respect each other. We will be discussing issues that have become fundamentally morally charged; understand that there are many different perspectives and viewpoints originating from many diverse backgrounds. Your willingness to understand this fact is not only crucial (both for this class and beyond), but it is expected. • Be empathic and thoughtful: I encourage an environment that embraces and accepts all levels of diversity. I will not tolerate anything that is offensive or abusive mentally, emotionally or physically. While I am not a big fan of political correctness, I am not a fan of bigotry or intolerance either. • Be reasoned: Feel free to discuss any topic relevant to our discussions, but remember to provide reasonable justifications for your responses. Opinions are okay as a start, but reasoned arguments are always better. If you disagree with another topic, be prepared to explain why. • For exceptional participants: If you have participated exceptionally throughout the semester, I will take note! By exceptional, I mean above average contributions and level of preparedness. To reward you at the end of theSOCIOLOGY 441: Criminology – FALL