CLASS INFORMATION INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Location: Parkinson 108 Paul D. White
Day(s)/Time: M,W,F – 12:00 – 12:50 Office: Faner #3429
Office Hours: M,W,F – 11:00 – 12:00 Phone: (618) 453-7621
T – 12:00 – 3:00

COURSE MATERIALS
Siegal, Larry, J. 2001. Criminology: Theories, Patterns and Typologies, 7th Edition. Belmont, CA : Wadsworth. (S)

Messner, Steven, F. and Rosenfeld, Richard. 2001. Crime and the American Dream, 3rd Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. (M/R)

Reiman, Jeffrey. 2001. The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison, 6th Edition. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. (R)

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to the study of crime, criminals, and crime theory. The course is divided into two substantive areas: (1) What is crime? and (2) What causes crime? Students will formulate their own answers to these questions based upon course discussion, lecture, and materials. The course will focus on the socially constructed nature of crime. Students will review recent critical works that have argued that efforts to respond to criminal behaviors have been political in nature. The basis of the class will be grounded on historical and contemporary biological, individual and societal explanations for crime. The two major goals for this course are for students to: 1) develop an understanding of the complex relationship between crime and society; and 2) learn to identify the underlying assumptions inherent in any societal approach to crime.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Exams: There will be a minimum of three in-class exams. The majority of test items will be multiple choice with the additional possibility of definition and essay questions. The exams will include material from lectures, discussions, and assigned readings. The final exam will be comprehensive.
Chapter Quizzes: At the discretion of the instructor, chapter quizzes may be given after the material in each chapter has been covered.
Pop Quizzes: At the discretion of the instructor, pop quizzes may be given at any time during the course.
Research Paper: A five page applied criminology/position research paper will be required for the class. ASA/APA format, typed with 3-5 professional scholarly references, i.e. Journal of Criminology. One internet source may be used but must be cited; text sources do not count.

GRADING
Letter grades will be assessed and assigned as follows:

A: 100/ 91%
B: 90/80%
C: 79/70%
D: 69/60%
F: 59% and below

Exam I – 100 points
Exam II – 100 points
Final Exam – 200 points
Applied Criminology Paper – 75 points
In Class Assignments/ Activities – 25 points
Class Participation/ Attendance – 10 points Bonus

POLICIES
Make-ups/Incompletes: Make-ups of any exam and other assignments may be allowed if the student provides written documentation from a qualified professional for the excused absence. The form of make-up is within the discretion of the instructor. Grades of incomplete are only an option in extreme circumstances and are also at the discretion of the instructor.
Academic Dishonesty: College and University policy regarding plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty will be followed and enforced within this course. If you are not familiar with your responsibilities and rights, and the definitions of academic dishonesty and its consequences, refer to the Student Code of Conduct or see an academic advisor.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE AND REQUIRED READINGS:

WEEK OF:

JANUARY

13 Chap. 1 Crime and Criminology (S) Siegal and Crime Control in America, Intro. and Chap.1 (R) Reiman (MLK Holiday- off Monday the 20th )
20 Chap. 2 Criminal Law and Its Processes (S) and A Crime by any Other Name, Chap. 2 (R)
27 Chap. 3 The Nature and Extent of Crime (S) and The Poor Get Prison, Chap. 3 (R)

FEBRUARY

3 Chap. 4 Victims and Victimization (S) and To the Vanquished Belong the Spoils, Chap. 4 (R) with conclusion/appendix
10 EXAM I Chap. 5 Choice Theory (S)
17 Chap. 6 Trait Theories (S)
24 Chap. 7 Social Structure Theories (S)

MARCH

3 Chap. 8 Social Process Theories (S)
10 Spring Break
17 Chap. 9 Conflict Theory (S)
24 Chap. 10 Integrated Theory (S): Latent Trait and Developmental Theories
31 EXAM II Chap. 11 Violent Crime (S) and A Society Organized for Crime (M/R) Messner and Rosenfeld

APRIL

7 Chap.12 Property Crime (S) and Chap. 2 By Any Means Necessary (M/R)
14 Chap. 13 White-Collar and Organized Crime (S) and Chap. 3 Ships in The Night (M/R)
21 Chap. 14 Public Order Crime (S) and Chap. 4 Culture, Institutional Structure and Social Control (M/R)
28 Chap. 5 Strengthening Social Institutions and Rethinking the American Dream (M/R)

MAY

2 PAPER DUE
5-9 Finals Week/ FINAL EXAM- Mon. May 5th, 8:00-10:00 p.m.