Criminology Dr. Heather Melton Sociology 3561--001 Office—308 Beh S Fall 2009 Office Hours: by appointment MWF 9:40-10:30 Phone: 581-3108 SW 134 Email: [email protected] Course Content The 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 to deal with and prevent crime. Attention will be directed at including issues relating to race, class, gender due to the historical exclusion of these issues in criminological discussion. Course Goal Students, 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 Grading Students 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 December 7th.. 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 they are 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 Organization This 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. This is 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. WebCT A 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 Readings Siegel, Larry Criminology: The Core Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Gonnerman, Jennifer Life on the Outside: The Prison Odyssey of Elaine Bartlett Articles on reserve Course Calendar and Readings 8/24—Introduction to the course and syllabus Part 1: Foundation in Criminology 8/26—Overview of Criminology Siegel, Ch. 1 8/28—Overview continued Siegel, Ch.1 8/31—Introduction to the Criminal Justice System Siegel, Ch. 149/2—Introduction to the Criminal Justice System Continued Siegel, Ch. 14 9/4—Crime Statistics and Trends Siegel, Ch. 2 9/7—Labor Day—NO CLASS 9/9—Crime Statistics and Trends Continued Siegel, Ch.2 9/11—Race, Class, Gender and Crime Article on Reserve: Robinson, Matthew (2000). “The Construction and Reinforcement of Myths of Race and Crime” 9/14—Video 9/16—FIRST EXAM Part 2: Theories of Crime Causation 9/21—Introduction to Theory; Psychological and Biological Theory