Course ContentCourse GoalCourse Requirements and GradingRequired ReadingsCourse Calendar and ReadingsPart 1: Foundation in CriminologyPart 2: Theories of Crime CausationPart 3: Typologies of CrimePart 4: Crime PreventionCriminologyDr. Heather Melton Sociology 3561--001Office—308 Beh S Spring 2008Office Hours: by appointment MWF 10:45-11:35Phone: 581-3108 BEH S 112Email: [email protected] ContentThe objective of this course is to explore crime, its context, and its causes. The course is divided into four major sections: a foundation in criminology, theory of crime causation, typology of crime, and crime prevention efforts. Specifically, students will be introduced to the nature and extent of crime, the criminal justice system, various theories explaining why crime occurs, different types of crimes, and recent efforts todeal with and prevent crime. Attention will be directed at including issues relating to race, class, gender dueto the historical exclusion of these issues in criminological discussion.Course GoalStudents, after completing this course, should be able to recognize, understand, and think critically about the major issues in criminology. Additionally, students should be able to apply concepts covered in the course to their encounters with crime and criminology (via the media, through personal experience, and so on). Course Requirements and GradingStudents will be required to complete the following: four exams, a term paper, and in-class reaction papers. Given that this is a large, lecture course attendance will not be taken. However, a considerable portion of each exam will be devoted to in class lectures and the in-class reaction papers can only be done in class on the day they are assigned.THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS OR ASSIGNMENTS.Exams: Each exam will cover readings, lectures, videos, and presentations from one of the four specific sections of the class (e.g., Foundation, Theory, Typologies, or Prevention). The exams will not be cumulative. Exams will consist of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions. Students will be tested on how well they comprehend and are able to apply the concepts covered in the course. Illegible handwriting on exams will result in zero points for that particular question. Exams are worth 25% each. The lowest of the four exam scores will be dropped.Term Paper: The term paper will be due in class on April 21st.. Students will be expected to complete a well-written, well-researched 5 to 8 page research paper on a topic to be assigned. Students should use at least five recent academic journal articles or books to research the assigned topic. Papers should be double-spaced and typed in 12 point font or less with 1” margins on all sides. Students will be graded on how well they researched the topic, answered the given question(s), and technical aspects of the paper (grammar, punctuation, citations, writing, etc…). More information regarding the term paper will be discussed in class. The paper is worth 15%. In-Class Reaction Papers: Periodically, students will be asked to write in-class reaction papers to issues discussed in class on that particular day. The purpose of these assignments is to think critically and thoughtfully about issues in criminology. These assignments can only be completed in class on the day theyare assigned. No make-up assignments will be accepted. In-class reactions papers are worth a total of 10%.KEEP ALL RETURNED EXAMS AND PAPERS IN CASE OF A GRADE DISPUTE.Course OrganizationThis course will utilize both a lecture and discussion format. Students must complete the readings by the class period they are assigned (some of the in-class assignments may cover the readings). Due to the nature of the material we are discussing, there is likely to be some lively discussion and some disagreement. In addition, some people may feel uncomfortable, upset, or even shocked by some of the course material. Thisis OK and is even to be expected. I hope that this course will be challenging both intellectually and personally. The following ground rules must be followed:1) Acknowledge that people in our culture have different experiences based on race, class, sex, age and sexuality. Think sociologically about these issues and critically analyze our opinions and beliefs.2) Agree that our classroom should be a place where no one is made to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. This includes rude interruptions, yelling, insults, or personal attacks. We do not have to agree with one another, but we must be able to discuss our differences in a respectful manner.3) Be aware that there are most likely students in the class who have experienced (or are close to someone who has experienced) sexual assault, domestic violence, or other forms of victimization. It is important that comments made in class are respectful of these experiences and the impact that these experiences may have had on people’s lives.4) Refrain from engaging in behavior that is rude to the instructor, other students, or guests of the class. This includes coming in late, sleeping, talking, or reading outside materials in class. PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES WHILE CLASS IS IN SESSION.5) Agree to follow the rules/standards of the student code. Any student who violates these is subject to the consequences as discussed in the student code/handbook.WebCTA modified version of the lecture notes will be available on WebCT. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to either get the notes from WebCT and fill them out on your own or get the notes from a fellow classmate. Required ReadingsSiegel, Larry Criminology: The Core Belmont, CA: WadsworthGonnerman, Jennifer Life on the Outside: The Prison Odyssey of Elaine BartlettArticles on reserveCourse Calendar and Readings1/7—Introduction to the course and syllabusPart 1: Foundation in Criminology1/9—Overview of CriminologySiegel, Ch. 11/11—Overview continuedSiegel, Ch.11/14—Introduction to the Criminal Justice SystemSiegel, Ch. 141/16—Introduction to the Criminal Justice System ContinuedSiegel, Ch. 141/18—Crime Statistics and TrendsSiegel, Ch. 21/21—NO CLASS1/23—Crime Statistics and Trends ContinuedSiegel, Ch.21/25—Race, Class, Gender and CrimeArticle on Reserve: Robinson, Matthew (2000). “The Construction and Reinforcement of Myths of Race and Crime”1/28—Video1/30—FIRST EXAMPart 2: Theories of Crime Causation2/1—Introduction to