Hagan, Introduction to Criminology 9thEditionInstructor Resources
Chapter 1: Introduction
Class Activities
1. Before lecturing, provide each student an index card. On one side, have students write down their own definition of crime. After most have finished writing, have student turn the card over and write down what causes crime (or why people commit crime). Collect the definitions and read them aloud to the class. Use the diversity of the definitions as an example of how determining what is considered a crime and/or considered criminal varies across social context of location, time, and culture.
2. Ask the students to write a brief essay (1-2 pages) about what they think causes crime and why. Why do people break the law and what are some effective policies to combat or prevent crime? Why would these policies be effective?
3.Have each student conduct an online search to identify a past law. Students should write a summary about the law and discuss how that law has or has not impacted the current legal structure. In addition, students coulddiscuss the differences in laws throughout time and across cultures.
4. 4. Divide the class into groups. Have each group list several factors that describe informal social control versus formal social control. Follow with a brief discussion for groups to share their s lists. After discussion, have groups compare and contrast the Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft societies. Have them come up with examples of each from the various countries around the world. Make sure they back up their examples. Follow with class discussion that evaluates how informal and formal social control apply to the two types of societies.
5. To begin class discussion, ask students to share their career goals. Follow by asking how criminology supports _(______) career, and so on. As students respond, support their ideas with concrete examples that connect criminology to policies or programs that will directly impact these careers. Be sure to address careers across the criminal justice system (law enforcement, courts, corrections, treatment programs, etc.).