JCU Logo

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 326"
COURSE NAME: "Globalization and Crime"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Isabella Clough Marinaro
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 1:30 PM 2:45 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: 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 Routledge 0415467276  
Defining and Defying Organised Crime Allum, F et al Routledge 1138874167  
Routledge Handbook of Transnational Organized Crime Allum, F and Gilmour, S edsRoutledge 0415579791  
Transnational Organized CRime: Perspectives on Global Security Edwards A, and Gill, P Routledge 0415403391  
Traffick. The Illicit Movement of People and Things Bhattacharyya, G Pluto 0745320473  
Art and Crime Charney, N Greenwood 0313366357  
Policing Organized Crime Gottschalk, P CRC Press1439810141   
Fraud, Corruption and Sport Brooks, G et al Palgrave0230299784  
Transnational Organized Crime: An Overview from Six Continents Albanese, J. and Reichel, P Sage 1452290075  
Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy Naim, MArrow 0099484242  
Global Organized Crime: A Reference Handbook Roth, M ABC-CLIO 159884332X  
Illicit Flows and Criminal Things: States, Borders, and the Other Side of Globalization Willem van Schendel (Editor), Itty Abraham (Editor) Indiana University Press 025321811X  
Mafias on the Move: How Organized Crime Conquers New Territories Varese, F Princeton University Press0691158010  
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 co
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 9 Dec 2016.

 

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

30 Aug

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

1 Sept

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)
On MyJCU

WK 2A

6 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

8 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

13 Sept

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

15 Sept

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

WK4A

20 Sept

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

22 Sept

Counterfeits and Intellectual Property Crimes

Watch counterfeiting documentary (link on MyJCU)

WK4C

23 Sept

FRIDAY

MAKE-UP DAY FOR 1 NOV

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

WK5A

27 Sept

Trafficking in art and antiquities

WK 5B

29 Sept


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

WK6A

4 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

WK6B

6 Oct

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 7A

11 Oct

Human trafficking cont'd

WK 7B

13 Oct

Mid-term exam

WK 8A

18 Oct

Cocaine trafficking: new routes and methods
 

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

WK8B

20 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

25 Oct

Cannabis and synthetic drug trafficking

25 Oct

6-8pm

Aula Magna

MANDATORY ATTENDANCE at “Transnational Organized Crime: Contemporary Challenges and Implications”

WK 9B

27 Oct

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 9C

28 Oct

FRIDAY

MAKE-UP DAY FOR THANKSGIVING

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

WK 10A

1 Nov

NO CLASS: ITALIAN NATIONAL HOLIDAY

WK10B

3 Nov

Weak and failed states and transnational crime

 

WK11A

8 Nov

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

10 Nov

Transnational  crime and terrorism

START “Background Report on Boko Haram”, 2014

On MyJCU

WK12A

15 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

17 Nov

Fighting global crime: State of the art and best practice

WK13A

22 Nov

Student Presentations

WK 13B

24 Nov

NO CLASS

THANKSGIVING

WK 14A
29 Nov

Student Presentations

WK 14B

1 Dec

Student Presentations
Conclusions and review