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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 326"
COURSE NAME: "Globalization and Crime"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Isabella Clough Marinaro
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 3:00 PM 4:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: at least one 200-level course in Economics, International Affairs or Business
OFFICE HOURS:

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:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Organised Crime and the Challenge to DemocracyAllum, F. and Siebert, R. (eds) (2008) Routledge0415467276  
Defining and Defying Organized CrimeAllum, F. et al (eds) (2010) Routledge0415548527  
Routledge Handbook of Transnational Organised CrimeAllum, F. and Gilmour, S. (2011) Routledge0415579791  
Transnational Organised Crime: Perspectives on Global SecurityEdwards, Adam and Peter Gill (eds) (2006) Routledge0415403391  
Traffick: The Illicit Movement of People and ThingsBhattacharyya, G. (2005)Pluto0745320473  
Art and CrimeCharney, N. (ed) (2009)Praeger 0313366357  
Deviant Globalization: Black Market Economy in the 21st CenturyGilman, N., Goldhammer, J. and Weber, S. (eds) Continuum1441178104  
Policing Organized CrimeGottschalk, P (2009)CRC Press (Electronic book)1439810141  
Fraud, Corruption and Sport Brooks, Graham, Azeem Aleem and Mark Button (2013) Palgrave0230299784  
Transnational Organised CrimeMadsen, F. (2009) Routledge0415464994  
Transnational organized crime: An overview from six continents. Albanese, J. S., & Reichel, P. L. (2014). Sage1452290075  
Understanding Organized CrimeMallory, S. Jones and Bartlett (2011)Jones and Bartlett1449648045  
Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats are Hijacking the Global EconomyNaim, Moises (2007) Arrow 0434013501  
Global Organized Crime: A Reference HandbookRoth, M. (2010) ABC-CLIO (Electronic 159884332X  
Organized Crime: Culture, Markets and PoliciesSiegel, D. and Nelen, H. (eds) (2008) Springer (Electronic book)0387097104  
Illicit Flows and Criminal Things: States, Borders, and the Other Side of Globalizationvan Schendel, W. and Abraham, I. (eds) (2005)Indiana University Press (Electronic book)025321811X  
Mafias on the Move: How Organized Crime Conquers New Territories: The Globalization of Organized CrimeVarese, F. (2011) Princeton University Press0691158010  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
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 the cours
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 is mandatory and, alongside active participation in class, makes up 15% of the final grade. Two unexcused absences will be tolerated, after which your grade will be lowered in proportion to each class missed.

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

SCHEDULE


 

Session

Session Focus

Reading and other Assignments

WK1A

18 Jan

Introduction to the course

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 1B

20 Jan

Defining and Measuring Transnational Organized Crime

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

WK 2A

25 Jan

Liquid crime: Globalization and its deviances

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
HANDOUT

WK 2B

27 Jan

Practices of transnational organized crime

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

WK3A

1 Feb

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

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

WK3B

3 Feb

Yar, M. (2006). Cybercrime and Society. London: SAGE Publications. Chapter 1 (p.1-20) On MyJCU

WK4A

8 Feb

Cybercrimes

 

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

WK 4B

10 Feb

Counterfeits and Intellectual Property Crimes

Watch counterfeiting documentary (link on MyJCU)

WK5A

15 Feb

Counterfeits and Intellectual Property Crimes

Cont’d

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.
On MYJCU

WK 5B

17 Feb

Trafficking in art and antiquities

WK6A

22 Feb


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

24 Feb

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

WK 7A

29 Feb

Trading in human beings – the trafficking business

The New York Times article "The Girls Next Door" by Peter Landsman January 25, 2005
READ ONLINE:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/25/magazine/the-girls-next-door.html

WK 7B

2 Mar

Mid-term exam

WK 7C

4 Mar

MAKE-UP DAY for 25 April

Human trafficking cont'd

WK 8A

7 Mar

Cocaine trafficking: new routes and methods
 

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

WK8B

9 Mar

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

14 Mar

Cannabis and synthetic drug trafficking

WK 9B

16 Mar

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

WK10A

21 Mar

Environmental crimes Cont’d

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

WK10B

23 Mar

Weak and failed states and transnational crime

 

28 Mar -1 April

SPRING BREAK

WK11A

4 April

Weak and failed states and transnational crime cont’d

“Conflict Minerals: The Price of Precious”, National Geographic, 2013
READ ONLINE
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/10/conflict-minerals/gettleman-text

WK11B

6 April

Transnational  crime and terrorism

START “Background Report on Boko Haram”, 2014

On MyJCU

WK12A

11 April

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

13 April

Fighting global crime: State of the art and best practice

WK 13 A

18 April

Student Presentations

WK 13B

20 April

Student Presentations

WK 14A
25 April

NO CLASS

ITALIAN NATIONAL HOLIDAY

WK 14B27 April

Student Presentations
Conclusions and review