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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "SOSC/LAW 221-2"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Criminology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2025
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Isabella Clough Marinaro
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 6:00 PM 7:15 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:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Mid-term examShort and medium length answer questions in which students apply the theories discussed in class.20%
Final ExamEssay based exam covering the main debates and issues discussed during the course30%
Written response paper Apply criminological theories to Venkatesh's book "Gang Leader for a Day" in preparation for class discussion.15%
Class participation and discussion of readings Active participation in class discussions, asking and answering questions, and evidence of close attention to the assigned readings15%
Presentation15 minute presentation for one of the topics highlighted in the syllabus (detailed guidelines will be provided). 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 your absence is ecused by the Dean's Office, I will 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 unexcused 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 9 May.

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 (to be done for the following lesson)

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL READINGS

(On Reserve)

Week 1A:

20 Jan

Introduction to the course

Mugari Chapter 1 p.1-19

Week 1B:

22 Jan

What is crime? Definitions, constructions and debates

Mugari Chapter 1 p.20-30

Newburn 1.3 The construction and deconstruction of crime, John Muncie

Week 2A:

27 Jan

Counting crime: Data sources

American Society of Criminology. Code of Ethics

Wincup, E., Hampson, K. S., Holdsworth, E., & Large, J. (2017). Criminological research: Understanding qualitative methods (2nd edition). SAGE

Week 2B:

29 Jan



Research methods and ethics

On Crimes and Punishments, Cesare Beccaria

Watch Bentham video

Week 3A:

3 Feb




Classical theories of crime and punishment

Mugari Chapter 2

Lanier, M., Henry, S., & Anastasia, D. J. M. (2015). Essential criminology (Fourth edition). Westview Press

Week 3B:

5 Feb




Neo-classical approaches to crime and prevention

Mugari Chapter 3 pp.51-62


Watch Situational Crime Prevention video

Week 3C:

7 Feb

FRIDAY



Biological theories of crime

Black, D. (2013) Bad boys, Bad men. Ch 6.

Watch TED Talk: Strange answers to the psychopath test

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

Week 4A:

10 Feb


Contemporary biological and psychiatric theories of crime


Mugari Chapter 3 pp. 63-74

Mugari Chapter 5 pp. 99-104

Week 4B:

12 Feb


Psychological theories

Spapens, T., & Moors, H. (2019). Intergenerational transmission and organised crime. A study of seven families in the south of the Netherlands. Trends in Organized Crime, 23(3), 227–241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12117-019-09363-w

Week 5A:

17 Feb

Criminal subcultures

Mugari Chapter 4

Week 5B:

19 Feb

Social structures theories

Week 6A:

24 Feb

Social structures theories cont’d

Study for exam

Week 6B:

26 Feb

Mid-term exam

WK 7A:

3 March

Crime trends, criminal careers and social control theories

Mugari Chapter 5, pp.104-116

Newburn 10.3 Outsiders, Howard Becker

Week 7B:

5 March



Interactionism and labelling theories

Read Ending the Poverty to Prison Pipeline

Newburn 10.4 Misunderstanding labelling perspectives, Ken Plummer

SPRING

BREAK

WK 8A:

17 March


Radical and critical criminology

Mugari Chapter 6

 

Reiman, J. H., & Leighton, P. (2020). The rich get richer and the poor get prison : thinking critically about class and criminal justice (Twelfth edition). Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.

WK 8B:

19 March


Radical and critical criminology cont’d

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



Group A: Chapter 3 Group B: Chapter 4: Clevenger, S., & Navarro, J. N. (2021). Gendering Criminology: Crime and Justice Today (1st ed.). University of California Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv2j6xfcj

WK 9A:

24 March

Feminist criminologies

Finish book reading notes

WK 9B:

26 March

Discussion of Venkatesh: Gang Leader for a Day

Nolan, Thorpe Jr. & DeKeseredy, Hate crimes, Routledge Handbook of Critical Criminology Newburn, Ch. 21.4 The war on drugs and the African-American community, Mark Mauer

WK 10A:

31 March


Student presentations: Drugs and crime

WK 10B:

2 April

 

Student presentations:

Crimes against persons (including hate crimes, youth crimes etc)

Mugari Ch 7

WK 11A:

7 April

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 11B:

9 April

Student presentations:

Green criminology/Environmental Crimes

Marsh, I., & Melville, G. (2019). Crime, justice and the media (3 Edition). Routledge.

Introduction Chapter Newburn (2017) Chapter 4. Crime and the Media

WK 12A:

14 April

Student presentations:

Crime and media

WK 12B:

16 April



Student presentations:

Open topics

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.

Colby, T. F. (2016). Victims and victimization : risk factors, intervention strategies and socioemotional outcomes. Nova Science Publisher

WK 13A

21 April

NO CLASS

ITALIAN NATIONAL HOLIDAY

WK 13B Queering crime and justice


WK 14A:

Victimization

WK 14B:

Conclusions