Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "SOSC / LAW 221"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Criminology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2022

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Isabella Clough Marinaro
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 1:30-2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: Friday mornings. Please email me to set up a Teams appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
What is crime? Why are we so fascinated by it? Why do people commit crimes and what are the best deterrents? How do we assess the success or failure of policing, incarceration and rehabilitation strategies? This course examines the politics underlying how crimes are defined and measured and what patterns of criminal behavior have thus emerged over time. It explores both classical and contemporary theories that seek to explain why certain people engage in crimes while others do not. It also explores how theories of crime affect policy, it evaluates existing strategies of crime control, and introduces a critical discussion of how contemporary criminal justice systems operate.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course is organized into three main sections. Firstly, we discuss crime as a socially constructed legal concept and phenomenon, its intense politicization, and its sensationalistic portrayal in much contemporary media. We then discuss the challenges of studying crime scientifically and debate the most common research methods in the field. The ethics and values that permeate all aspects of criminological study and criminal justice responses are critically explored throughout the course. Secondly, we briefly explore the early attempts of scholars to explain criminality, as well as more recent approaches to criminal behavior in other disciplines (biology and psychology), before moving on to in-depth discussion of contemporary sociological theories of why certain social groups are more prone to commit or to be victims of specific types of crime. Thirdly, we critically discuss the link between these theories and policies for crime reduction. Using various case-studies, we evaluate which forms of contemporary institutional responses can be considered most effective while others appear to fail. The course is based on lectures and in-depth class discussions, in which students are expected to engage critically with original criminological writings and contemporary empirical case-studies. Guest lectures by practitioners in policing, security and criminal justice institutions may also be organized.

At times this semester we will be discussing crimes that may be disturbing, even traumatizing, to some students. If you are aware of particular course material that may be traumatizing to you, I’d be happy to discuss any concerns you may have with it before it comes up in class. Likewise, if you ever wish to discuss your personal reactions to such material with the class or with me afterwards, I welcome such discussion as an appropriate part of our coursework. If you ever feel the need to step outside during one of these discussions, either for a short time or for the rest of the class session, you may always do so without academic penalty. You will, however, be responsible for any material you miss. If you do leave the room for a significant time, please make arrangements to get notes from another student or see me individually to discuss the situation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

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

· Explain and critically discuss the core criminological theories and the assumptions upon which they are based

· Evaluate criminological theory in light of evolving empirical studies

· Explain and critique the scientific methods used to study and explain criminal behaviors

· Understand the connections between criminological theories and policy implications

· Apply the theoretical concepts to real situations

· Analyze the effectiveness of criminal justice systems and crime control policies

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

Book Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN number
Criminology.	Newburn, T. (2017)	Routledge	9781138643130
Key readings in criminology.	Newburn, T. (2009).	Willan	9781843924036
Criminology today: An integrative introduction.	Schmalleger, F. (2021).	Pearson	9780134749730
Essential Criminology (4th ed)	Mark M. Lanier, Stuart Henry, Desire' J.M. Anastasia	Routledge	9780813348858

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
2 Mid-term exams	Short and medium length answer questions in which students apply the theories discussed in class.	30% (15% each)
Final Exam	Essay based exam covering the main debates and issues discussed during the course	25%
Written response paper (5 pages)	Apply criminological theories to Bourgois' book "In Search of Respect" OR Venkatesh's book "Gang Leader for a Day" in preparation for class discussion.	10%
Class participation and discussion of readings	Active participation in class discussions, asking and answering questions, and evidence of close attention to the assigned readings	15%
Presentation (OR research paper)	15 minute presentation for one of the topics highlighted in the syllabus (detailed guidelines will be provided). Alternatively, a 2,000 word research paper on a topic of your choice, with prior approval from the professor.	20%

-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 the course.
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 performances 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:

Attendance is mandatory and you are expected to not miss any classes. If you have to miss a class for health reasons, I expect you to email me in advance and attend the class on-line. If you are too ill to do so, I can record the class for you. You should then watch the video and do all related activities and assignments as soon as possible. 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 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 miss an 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. Indivisual 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 the work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until 6 May 2022.

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

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

LESSON

TOPIC

READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS

WK 1 A

17 Jan

Introduction:

What is crime? Definitions, constructions and debates

· Newburn 1.3 The construction and deconstruction of crime, John Muncie

WK 1 B

19 Jan

Counting crime: Data sources

· American Society of Criminology. Code of Ethics

WK 2 A

24 Jan

Research methods and ethics

· Practical assignment on Moodle

· Newburn, Ch 5.1 On Crimes and Punishments, Cesare Beccaria

WK 2 B

26 Jan

Classical theories of crime and punishment

· Watch Bentham video

· Watch Situational Crime Prevention video

WK 3 A

31 Jan

Neo-classical approaches to crime and prevention

· GROUP A: Patrick at al (2016). From WWII to the World Wide Web : A Research Note on Social Changes, Online “Places,”and a New Online Activity Ratio for Routine Activity Theory. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 32, 2, 129-147.

· GROUP B: Arntfield, M. (2015). Toward a cybervictimology: Cyberbullying, routine activities theory, and the anti-sociality of social media. Canadian Journal of Communication, 40, 3, 371-388.

WK 3 B

2 Feb

Biological theories of crime

· Newburn, 6.3 Biosocial studies of antisocial and violent behaviour in children and adults, Adrian Raine

· Newburn, 6.2 The increasing appropriation of genetic explanations, Troy Duster.

WK 4 A

7 Feb

Contemporary biological and psychiatric theories of crime

· Watch Documentary: A crime of insanity

WK 4 B

9 Feb

Introduction to psychological theories

· Report to UN on racial disparities in US CJS

WK 4 C

11 Feb

FRIDAY

MAKE-UP DAY

Finish psychological theories

Start social structures

· Newburn 8.4 Crime and the American Dream: an institutional analysis, Richard Rosenfield and Steven Messner

WK 5 A

14 Feb

Social structures theories

· Girls in Gangs documentary

· Sánchez-Jankowski, M. (2018) Gangs, Culture, and Society in the United States

WK 5 B

16 Feb

Criminal subcultures

· Mid-term exam

· Newburn 11.3 A General Theory of Crime, Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi

WK 5 C

18 Feb

FRIDAY

MAKE-UP DAY

Crime trends, criminal careers and social control theories

· Newburn 10.3 Outsiders, Howard Becker

WK 6 A

21 Feb

Interactionism and labelling theories

· Newburn 10.4 Misunderstanding labelling perspectives, Ken Plummer

WK 6 B

23 Feb

Radical and critical criminology

· Messerschmidt and Tomsen: Masculinities and Crime. Routledge Handbook of Critical Criminology

· Watch TED Talk: What is it like to have a baby in prison?

· Watch: America’s rising female population in jail

WK 7 A

28 Feb

Feminist criminologies

· Lyons, et al (2017). Negotiating Violence in the Context of Transphobia and Criminalization: The Experiences of Trans Sex Workers in Vancouver, Canada. Qualitative Health Research, 27, 2, 182-190.

WK 7 B

2 March

Queering crime and justice

· Mid-term exam 2

· Newburn 17.4 Multiple victimization: its extent and significance, Graham Farrell

WK 8 A

7 March

Victimization

· Finish book reading notes

WK 8 B

9 March

Discussion of Venkatesh: Gang Leader for a Day

Or Bourgois: In Search of Respect

· Newburn, Ch. 21.4 The war on drugs and the African-American community, Mark Mauer

· Watch documentary: Opioids Inc.

WK 9 A

14 March

Student presentations:

Drugs and crime

· Nolan, Thorpe Jr. & DeKeseredy, Hate crimes, Routledge Handbook of Critical Criminology

WK 9 B

16 March

Student presentations:

Crimes against persons (including hate crimes)

· Understanding White Collar Crime

SPRING

BREAK

WK 10 A

28 March

Student presentations:

White-collar crime/Crimes of the powerful

· Lynch, M. J. (2020). Green Criminology and Environmental Crime: Criminology That Matters in the Age of Global Ecological Collapse. Journal of White Collar and Corporate Crime, 1(1), 50–61. https://doi.org/10.1177/2631309X19876930

WK 10 B

30 March

Student presentations:

Green criminology

· Newburn, Criminology. Media and Crime

WK 11 A

4 April

Student presentations:

Crime and media

WK 11 B

6 April

Student presentations:

Open topics

· Carrington, Hogg and Sozzo, Southern criminology, Routledge Handbook of Critical Criminology

WK 12 A

11 April

DEADLINE FOR RESEARCH PAPERS Decolonizing criminology

· PBS: Policing the Police

WK 12 B

13 April

Policing, present and future

· Global Prison Trends

· The power of touch

· Ismail, N. (2020). Deterioration, drift, distraction, and denial: How the politics of austerity challenges the resilience of prison health governance and delivery in England. Health Policy, 124, 12, 1368-1378.

WK 13 A

18 April

NO CLASS

ITALIAN NATIONAL HOLIDAY

WK 13 B

20 April

Prisons: politics, economics, goals and outcomes

· Newburn,30.2 Restorative justice: an overview, Tony Marshall

WK 14 A

25 April

NO CLASS

ITALIAN NATIONAL HOLIDAY

WK 14 B

27 April

Restorative justice

· Study for final exam