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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 326"
COURSE NAME: "Globalization and Crime"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2018
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Isabella Clough Marinaro
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 1:30-2:45PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: at least one 200-level course in Economics, International Affairs or Business
OFFICE HOURS: 30 minutes before each class or by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to debates surrounding the effects of globalization on the proliferation of crime across borders and the challenges of developing internationally effective policing and judicial mechanisms for combating this constantly mutating phenomenon. Areas of study include the trafficking of art and archaeology, fake fashion items, waste, narcotics, and arms, as well as the market in human beings for sex and organs, and the economic implications of criminal penetration in legal financial markets and the increasing connections between international crime groups and terrorism, the political and military influence of OCGs in failed states and the connections between criminal groups and various democratic governments.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course explores the ways in which organized criminal groups (OCGs) and activities are evolving as a result of globalization. It examines how the opening up of markets, transportation routes and communication technologies are facilitating ever more efficient and capillary illegal trades in goods and people. Areas of study include the trafficking of art and archaeology, fake fashion items, waste, narcotics, and arms, as well as the market in human beings for sex and organs. We examine the economic implications of growing criminal penetration in legal financial markets as well as the concerns for state security posed by the increasing connections between international crime groups and terrorism, the political and military influence of OCGs in failed states and the connections between criminal groups and various democratic governments. We will debate the challenges to fighting these phenomena and weigh up the  implications for international stability, democracy, national sovereignty  and the preservation of rights in attempts to develop global security responses.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

·         Outline the problems of defining and measuring transnational organized crime groups and activities

·         Outline the international agreements and strategies currently in place to fight TOC, and provide examples of effective mechanisms at   national and regional levels

·         Discuss the challenges and obstacles to developing more incisive measures to tackle global crime

·         Demonstrate detailed factual knowledge of the various criminal groups, networks and sectors examined in the course

·         Contextualize the criminal activities and markets within a firm knowledge of post-Cold War geopolitical developments

 

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Organised Crime and the Challenge to Democracy Allum, F. and Siebert, R. (eds) (2008) Routledge 04154672760415467276  
Defining and Defying Organized Crime Allum, F. et al (eds) (2010Routledge 0415548527  
Routledge Handbook of Transnational Organised Crime Allum, F. and Gilmour, S. (2011) Routledge 0415579791  
Transnational Organised Crime: Perspectives on Global Security Edwards, Adam and Peter Gill (eds) (2006) Routledge 0415403391  
Traffick: The Illicit Movement of People and Things Bhattacharyya, G. (2005) Pluto 0745320473  
Art and Crime Charney, N. (ed) (2009) Praeger 0313366357  
Deviant Globalization: Black Market Economy in the 21st Century Gilman, N., Goldhammer, J. and Weber, S. (eds) Continuum 1441178104  
Policing Organized Crime Gottschalk, P (2009) CRC Press (Electronic book) 1439810141  
Fraud, Corruption and Sport Brooks, Graham, Azeem Aleem and Mark Button (2013) Palgrave0230299784  
Transnational Organised Crime Madsen, F. (2009) Routledge 0415464994  
Transnational organized crime: An overview from six continents. 5Albanese, J. S., & Reichel, P. L. (2014). Sage 1452290075  
Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy Naim, Moises (2007) Arrow0434013501  
Global Organized Crime: A Reference Handbook Roth, M. (2010) ABC-CLIO (Electronic book) 159884332X  
Organized Crime: Culture, Markets and Policies Siegel, D. and Nelen, H. (eds) (2008) Springer (Electronic book) 0387097104  
Illicit Flows and Criminal Things: States, Borders, and the Other Side of Globalization van Schendel, W. and Abraham, I. (eds) (2005) Indiana University Press (Electronic book)025321811X  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Mid-term exam Essay-based exam in which students critically engage with the materials and debates presented in class lectures, discussions and readings20%
Final Exam Essay-based exam in which students critically engage with the materials and debates presented in class lectures, discussions and readings30%
Oral presentation based on research project Students present the methodology and findings of their research paper (see below). 15 minute presentation using powerpoint.10%
Final Research Paper Students will develop a research paper on one of the problems/issues discussed in the course and will debate its dynamics, impacts and possible solutions, drawing from the recommended readings and further bibliographical research25%
Class participation Attendance is mandatory. Participation is graded based on the student's comments, questions, active note-taking and general active engagement in class discussions and activities.15%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for t
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performance demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Letter grades and corresponding percentages for this class

94 – 100 points = A

90 – 93.99 pts = A-

87 – 89.99 = B+

83 – 86.99 = B

80 – 82.99 = B-

77 – 79.99 = C+

70 – 76.99 = C

60 – 69.99 = D

59.99 – 0 = F

ATTENDANCE AND EXAMS POLICY

Attendance is mandatory for this class and you are expected to not miss any classes. If you do, for eaxmple for health reasons, I will accept a maximum of 3 absences after which I will deduct 3% of your final grade for each class missed.

You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until 14 Dec 2018.

 

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

 

 

 

Session

Session Focus

Reading and other Assignments

 

WK1A

4 Sept

Introduction to the course

Naim, Moises (2007) Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy, Arrow, Chapter 2 (p. 12-37)
On MyJCU

 

WK 1B

6 Sept

Defining and Measuring Transnational Organized Crime

United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000) (esp p5-12)
ON MyJCU
http://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/UNTOC/Publications/TOC%20Convention/TOCebook-e.pdf

 

WK 2A

11 Sept

Liquid crime: Globalization and its deviances

Standing, A. (2011) Transnational Organized Crime and the Palermo Convention: A Reality Check  On MyJCU http://www.ipinst.org/2011/01/transnational-organized-crime-and-the-palermo-convention-a-reality-check

 

WK 2B

13 Sept

Practices of transnational organized crime

Chambliss, W.J. and Williams, E. (2011) in Allum, F. and Gilmour, S. “Transnational Organized Crime and Social Sciences Myths” in  Routledge Handbook of Transnational Organised Crime, Routledge, Chapter 3, p. 52-64
On MyJCU

 

WK3A

18 Sept

Money laundering, the ‘clean’ economy and ‘gray’ economies

Sciarrone, R., & Storti, L. (January 01, 2014). The territorial expansion of mafia-type organized crime. The case of the Italian mafia in Germany. Crime Law and Social Change, 61, 1, 37-60. On MyJCU

WK3B

20 Sept

Money laundering cont’d

Europol Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (2013)
https://www.europol.europa.eu/content/eu-serious-and-organised-crime-threat-assessment-socta

 

WK 3 C

21 Sept

MAKE-UP Day

Cybercrimes

 

WK4A

25 Sept

Cybercrimes cont’d

Kshetri, Nir B. (2013). Cybercrimes in the Former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe: Current Status and Key Drivers. On MyJCU

 

WK 4B

27 Sept

Counterfeits and Intellectual Property Crimes

Watch counterfeiting documentary (link on MyJCU)

 

WK5A

 

2 Oct

Counterfeits and Intellectual Property Crimes

Adler, Christine, Chappell, Duncan, & Polk, Kenneth. (2009). Perspectives on the organisation and control of the illicit traffic in antiquities in South East Asia. Research Online.

 

WK 5B

4 Oct

Trafficking in art and antiquities

 

WK 6A

9 Oct

Trafficking in art and antiquities cont'd

Keefe, P. R. (January 01, 2009). Snakeheads and Smuggling: The Dynamics of Illegal Chinese Immigration. World Policy Journal, 26, 1, 33-44.
On MyJCU

 

WK6B

11 Oct

Human smuggling

 Shelley, Louise (2014) Human Trafficking and Smuggling into Europe On My JCU

http://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/human-smuggling-and-trafficking-europe-comparative-perspective

 

WK7A

16 Oct

Trading in human beings – the trafficking business

Reading TBA

 

WK 7B

18 Oct

Mid-term exam

 

WK 8A

23 Oct

Cocaine trafficking: new routes and methods
 

Stephen Ellis, “West Africa's International Drug Trade,” African Affairs, 108(431), 2009: 171-196.
On MyJCU

 

WK 8B

25 Oct

Heroin and opiates

Eisler, David (2012) “Afghanistan’s Opium Economy: Incentives, Insurgency, and International Demand”, Journal of International Affairs
READ ONLINE
http://jia.sipa.columbia.edu/online-articles/afghanistans-opium-economy/

 

WK 9A

30 Oct

Cannabis and synthetic drug trafficking

 

WK 9B

1 Nov

NO CLASS

ITALIAN NATIONAL HOLIDAY

 

WK 10A

6 Nov

The illicit waste trade

“Computers pile up in Ghana dump” BBC 5 August 2008
READ ONLINE

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7543489.stm

 

WK 10B

8 Nov

Environmental crimes

Jonny Steinberg “The illicit abalone trade in South Africa”

ISS Paper 105 • April 2005, http://www.iss.co.za/pubs/papers/105/Paper105.htm
ON MyJCU

 

WK 10C

MAKE-UP DAY

9 Nov

Environmental crimes cont'd

KINNIBURGH, C. (2014). Beyond "Conflict Minerals". Dissent (00123846), 61(2), 61-68.

ON MyJCU

WK11A

13 Nov

Weak and failed states and transnational crime

 Asal, V., Milward, H., & Schoon, E. (2015). When terrorists go bad: Analyzing terrorist organizations’ involvement in drug smuggling. International Studies Quarterly, 59(1), 112-123. doi:10.1111/isqu.12162 ON MyJCU

OR

European Parliament (2012) : “Europe’s Crime-Terror Nexus: Links between terrorist and organised crime groups in the European Union P8-40 ON MyJCU

 

WK11B

15 Nov

Transnational  crime and terrorism

 

 

WK12A

20 Nov

International governance and its challenges

Council on Foreign Relations (2013) “The Global Regime for Transnational Crime”

READ ONLINE

http://www.cfr.org/transnational-crime/global-regime-transnational-crime/p28656  

 

WK12B

22 Nov

NO CLASS

THANKSGIVING

 

 

WK13A

27 Nov

Fighting global crime: State of the art and best practice

 

WK13B

29 Nov

Student Presentations

 

WK 14 A

4 Dec

Student Presentations

 

WK 14B
6 Dec

Student Presentations
Conclusions and review