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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "SOSC/LAW 221-2"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Criminology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2022
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Isabella Clough Marinaro
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 3:00 PM 4:15 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:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
An Introduction to Criminological Theory, Penology and Crime Prevention.Mugari, Ishmael (2021). Nova. 1536191019  Ebook  
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Gang leader for a day : a rogue sociologist crosses the line. Venkatesh, S. (2009). Penguin Books.9780141030913  
In search of respect : selling crack in el barrioBourgois, P. I. (2003). Cambridge University Press. 9780511808562  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
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  
Routledge handbook of critical criminology DeKeseredy, W. S., & Dragiewicz, M. (Eds.). (2018). Routledge9781317221821  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
2 Mid-term examsShort and medium length answer questions in which students apply the theories discussed in class.30% (15% each)
Final ExamEssay 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 readings15%
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 2 absences after which I will deduct 2% 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. 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 the work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until 16 Dec 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

MANDATORY READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL READINGS

(On Reserve)

WK 1 A

 

5 Sept

Introduction to the course

 

 

 

WK 1 B

 

7 Sept

What is crime? Definitions, constructions and debates

· Mugari Chapter 1, p.1-19

Newburn 1.3 The construction and deconstruction of crime, John Muncie

WK 2 A

 

12 Sept

Counting crime: Data sources

· American Society of Criminology. Code of Ethics

Mugari Chapter 1, p.20-30

· Practical assignment on Moodle

 

WK 2 B

 

14 Sept

Research methods and ethics

· On Crimes and Punishments, Cesare Beccaria

· Watch Bentham video

 

WK 3 A

 

19 Sept

Classical theories of crime and punishment

· Mugari Chapter 2


WK 3 B

 

21 Sept

Neo-classical approaches to crime and prevention

· Watch Situational Crime Prevention video

· Mugari Chapter 3 pp.51-62

 

WK 4 A

 

26 Sept

Biological theories of crime

· Mugari Chapter 3 pp. 63-74

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 B

 

28 Sept

Contemporary biological and psychiatric theories of crime

· Mid-term exam

· Watch TED Talk: Strange answers to the psychopath test

Schmalleger Chapter 6

WK 5 A

 

3 Oct

Psychological theories

· Mugari Chapter 4

 

WK 5 B

 

5 Oct

Social structures theories

· Girls in Gangs documentary

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

 

WK 6 A

 

10 Oct

Criminal subcultures

 

 

WK 6 B

 

12 Oct

 

Crime trends, criminal careers and social control theories

· Mugari Chapter 5

Newburn 10.3 Outsiders, Howard Becker

WK 7 A

 

17 Oct

Interactionism and labelling theories

· Read Ending the Poverty to Prison Pipeline

· Watch: America’s rising female population in jail

Newburn 10.4 Misunderstanding labelling perspectives, Ken Plummer

WK 7 B

 

19 Oct

Radical and critical criminology

· Mugari Chapter 6

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

 

WK 8 A

 

24 Oct

 

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.

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

WK 8 B

 

26 Oct

Queering crime and justice

· Mid-term exam 2

 

WK 9 A

 

31 Oct

 

· Finish book reading notes

 

WK 9 B

 

2 Nov

Discussion of Venkatesh: Gang Leader for a Day

Or Bourgois: In Search of Respect

· Watch documentary: Opioids Inc.

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

WK 10 A

7 Nov

Student presentations:

Drugs and crime

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

 

WK 10 B

9 Nov

Student presentations:

Crimes against persons (including hate crimes)

· Mugari Chapter 7

 

WK 11 A

14 Nov

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 11 B

16 Nov

Student presentations:

Green criminology

 

Newburn (2017) Chapter 4. Crime and the Media

WK 12 A

21 Nov

Student presentations:

Crime and media

 

 

WK 12 B

 

23 Nov

Student presentations:

Open topics

 

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

WK 13 A

28 Nov

 

DEADLINE FOR RESEARCH PAPERS

Victimization

· Mugari Chapter 9

· PBS: Policing the Police

Global Prison Trends

 

WK 13 B

30 Nov

Policing, present and future

· 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 14 A

5 Dec

Prisons: politics, economics, goals and outcomes

· Mugari Chapter 8

 

WK 14 B

7 Dec

Introduction to restorative justice

· Study for final exam