Criminology and Penology (Sociology 313)
Fall 2012
Instructor: Dr. Tim Dunn
Office: Fulton Hall 270
Office Hours: MW 1:30-2:30, T/Th 11:00-12:00, & by appt.
Web Page (class links):
Phone & email: 410-543-6432
Mail box: 280 Fulton Hall, Sociology Dept. office
Texts:
1. Barkan, Steven E. 2012. Criminology: A Sociological Understanding. Prentice Hall. (5thedition).
2. Moskos, Peter. 2009 Cop in the Hood: My Year Policing Baltimore’s Eastern District. PrincetonUniversity Press.
3. Venkatesh, Sudhir. 2008. Gang Leader for a Day. Penguin Books. (1st edition).
4. various other assigned readings linked on my web site.
I. Course Description – This 4-Creditcourse will introduce you to the study of wide range of topics in the study of crime as well as some aspects of the criminal justice system. We will examine the role of social factors (more than individuals), particularly institutions, organizations, groups, and social inequalities. We will not ignore individuals, but rather use a “sociological imagination” to examine the relationship between individualsand the wider society, emphasizing the latter. Workload expectations: Apporximately 8 hours/week outside of class, for a 4-credit class.
In terms of format, the class will be a mix of lectures and discussion to create a structured but also interactive learning experience. My aim is to facilitate the emergence of a diversity of views and exchanges among class members on given topics, informed by sociological concepts and research. I will bring in news reports on crime and criminal justice matters for examples and discussion, and I encourage you to do the same. Become an informed citizen!
A variety of class materials will be posted on my faculty web page ( ), including non-textbook assigned readings and lecture outlines (helpful in test preparation). I expect you to consult it.
II. Objectives – Salisbury University’s “highest purpose is to empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and core values that contribute toactive citizenship, gainful employment, and life-long learning and in a democratic society and inter-dependent world.” (SU Catalogue, 2010-2012: pg. 6). Moreover, the university’s values include “diversity” (global, society, and individual differences and equal opportunity) and “community”(caring, civility, learn through interaction). This class contributes to those ends by developing your understanding of the vital social issues of crime and criminal justice, including many aspects of diversity (racial, ethnic, gender, class), and your ability to discuss them in a democratic, participatory manner, a key to community building. This involves expanding your critical thinking and analytical skills to look beyond surface appearances and "common sense" explanations to gain a deeper, more critical understanding of crime and the criminal justice system. You don’t have to agree with them, but you should be aware of and able to debate other perspectives and research.
III. Coursework Requirements:
A. 3 Readings Discussion Papers (RDP’s):Write 3 papers,each on an assigned class topic --1-2 foreach of first 2 test-units, and 1 for 3rd test unit, if you’ve not done 3 papers yet. Papers are due the 2nd day scheduled for a topic, except those for which we have only 1 day (due that day). I prefer your papers be typed and double-spaced.
Format: Length 6-7pages, depending on readings.2 parts (below):
1. Main Ideas and Themes–5-6 pages (length depends on length of readings). Show me you read the text. Select and discussspecific information / ideas / issuesfrom AT LEAST 4 assigned readings for a topic (when 4 or more are assigned, and less when fewer than 4 assigned -- can’t all be web rdgs; you should use Barkan text extensively).Note each chapter assigned counts as 1 reading.
No introduction or conclusion is necessary; do not provide a general overview. Do not provide a general overview; instead beselective and detailed;focus on specific information & ideas in rdgs. that you find most interesting (i.e., you can’t discuss everything in a rdg.). Do not quote text extensively or frequently; put things in your own words (i.e., prarphrase). Also, provideat least 1 citation of an assigned rdg. per paragraph-- author & page #, e.g., “(Barkan, 29)”to tell me where the info. you’re discussing came from.
Two additional things you must do:
a. Provide 1 outside examplefor at least 1 idea or issue from assigned rdgs. Use examples in media or web reports & provide reference in your paper (& 1 page copy).
b. Draw at least 1 connection or linkbetween 2 or more readings (e.g., compare or contrast on an issue).
2. Reaction and Critique –1-2 pages. Use a heading for this section, which should be a brief reaction to the issues / info. in the readings that you discussed in Part 1. I want some thoughtful reflection on and critique of the readings and the issues they raise; you have a lot of leeway here.
-- No RDP’s may be written on the first andlast topics-- “Intro. to Criminology” & “Rights issues, & Reducing Crime.”
B. 8 Readings Note Sheets (FOR all topics, that you’re not writing an RDP):Length 2 pages,due the second day of the topic(unless there is only 1 day).You need notes on main ideas from at least2 assigned readingsfor each non-RDP-topic -- after the Intro. topic (no notes or papers on Intro topic). [There are 11 topics—you do 3 RDP’s, 8Note Sheets.]You have wide leeway on the format, butthey must be legible (hand-written or typed). These do not have to be comprehensive on everything you read, and they can be quite informal (e.g., with abbreviations, not have complete sentences, etc.). You must have a page number and reading author(s) for each note entry / main point. Use your own words, not text quotes (or few). This will greatly aid group discussion as well as test preparation.
C. Group Discussion Leading & Class Participation: You will lead a small group discussion three times, each of which should be based on your RDP for that topic. A sign-up sheet for this will be circulated early in the term. In addition toleading discussion, I expect you to actively participate in group discussions as well as be generally involved in the class. This presumes your attendance and familiarity with the readings. An honest effort at participation showing reasonable preparation for class will suffice. This category will be crucial in the case of borderline grades (e.g., C+/B-). Attendance Policy: You are required to attend all classes. Failure to attend will negatively affect your grade, significantly.FYI:I take attendance about half the time.
D. Attend & briefly write about 1 campus cultural event (or a volunteer activity in community)(Length 1-1½ pgs.): Briefly describe and summarize the content of the event (lecture, movie, performance, sport, social gathering, volunteer service activity, etc.), and then briefly relate it to something specific from class rdgs. (1 paragraph). The goal is tobecome a more involved university citizen-student by looking for things on campus (or in service) that apply to class in some way. Paper is due within 3 weeks after event, Dec. 7 at latest.
E. Application / ResearchPaper:Length 6pages, Dec.7, but can be turned in anytime after Thanksgiving;a brief topic statement is due Nov. 28. Guidelines for this assignment will be given in early-mid November, but generally you will be asked to apply some ideas from Brakn text and assigned web readings to either (a.) to deeper discussion of Venkatesh and Moskos texts, or (b.) to 3-4 outside articles, and in either case to aspects of you own life as well.
F. 3 Tests: Three exams will be given, with each covering roughly one-third of the class material for the term. The third exam (during finals) will also include a few cumulative questions (I’ll give you guidance on them). The tests will include a combination of multiple-choiceand essay questions.
IV. Grade Calculation & Scale:
A. 3 RDP’s @ 25 points each 75 points (27% of total pts.)
B. 8 Rdgs. Notes Sheets @ 3 pts each + 1 if do all 825 pts. ( 9% of total pts.)
C. Group Disc. Leading & Class Participation 25 pts. ( 9% of total pts.)
D. Cultural event write-up5 pts. (2% of total pts.)
E. Application / Researchpaper25 pts. ( 9% of total pts.)
F. 3 tests @ 40 pts. 120pts. (44% of total pts.)
Total 275 points
A 90-100%247-275 pts.
B 80-89%220-246 pts.
C70-79%192-219 pts.
D60-69%165-191 pts.
F 59% & below164 pts. & below
V. Miscellaneous
Extra Credit: You may earn 5 points on 1 occasion during the term by attending a campus cultural eventor participating in some sort of volunteer activity that you can relate to specific class topics. You will need to write-up (1-1&½ pgs.) a brief description and link it to something specific from class materials(be creative!). DUE within 3 weeks after the event, Dec. 7 at latest.
Make-up Policy: I will not grant make-ups or extensions for exams and papers UNLESS you face extraordinary circumstances (illness, family problems, etc.) or a conflicting university-scheduled activity.
Writing Help -- University Writing Center–Room 206 GuerrieriUniversityCenter,410-543-6332 (x36332) .
Studying Help and other assistance – Center for Student Achievement – Room 213 GuerrieriUniversityCenter, 410-677-4865 (x74865) .
Other Help—StudentCounselingCenter.Guerrieri University Center Room 263. (410) 543-6070
Please feel free to contact me outside of class. I am on campus in my office quite a bit, beyond office hrs. You can also call me or contact me via email. It generally takes me up to 24 hours to reply to emails, 48 hrs. on weekends.
Respectful Classroom -- I expect us all to do our best to treat each other with respect and civility in class.
Tentative Schedule (subject to change)
DatesTopicReadings
Aug. 29 & Sept. 5Intro. to CriminologyBarkan, Ch.1; Moskos, Ch. 1
Sept. 10 & 12Public Opinion & Media & CrimeBarkan, Ch.2
(& Police)Venkatesh, Ch.1;Moskos Ch. 2
Sept. 17 & 19Measuring Crime, & VictimizationBarkan, Chs. 3 & 4
(& Race, Gender, Class & Age)Venkatesh, Chs. 2 & five pgs. of 3 (p. 66-71)
Sept. 24 & 26Violent & Property CrimeBarkan, Chs. 1012 (p. 290-307)
Moskos, Ch.3
Web Site: Zetter
Oct. 1 & 3Violence Against Women & ChildrenBarkan, Ch.11
Web site: Eligon; Balestra;
To Be Announced (TBA)
Oct. 8TEST 1
Oct.10, 15White-Collar CrimeBarkan, Ch.13 (p. 316-337) & 12 (p. 308-312)
[RDP’s due 20th]Web site: Smith (Wells Fargo) TBA
Oct. 17 & 22Consensual & Organized CrimeBarkan, Chs. 1513 (p.338-342)
Venkatesh, Chs.3 (start on p. 71)4
Moskos,Ch. 4
.
Oct.. 24, Political Crime & TerrorismBarkan, Ch.14
Web Site: Powell, Bamford, & TBA
Nov.29, 31, Nov. 5Explaining CrimeBarkan, Chs. 5 (p.119-130)7, 8, &9(focus on 7&8)
Venkatesh,Ch.5
Nov. 7Test 2
Nov. 12 & 14Prosecution & PunishmentBarkan, Ch.17
Web Site: Lynch, NPR, Murphy, Ross & TBA
Nov.19, 26, 28(½)PolicingBarkan, Ch.16
Moskos, Chs. 5 & 6 (esp. 6!)
Nov 28Application / Research paper Topic Statement due
Nov. 28(½) Dec. 3 & 5Rights issues, & Reducing CrimeBarkan, Ch 18(it’s brief)
[Rdgs. Notes Only, no RDPs]Venkatesh, Ch. 7
Moskos, Ch.7 (only p.177-183) & Epilogue
Web Site: TBA
Dec. 7No class but, APPLICATION & RESEARCH PAPER DUE
Dec. 14 4:15-6:45 Test 3, Final Exam