C & D

CRIME AND DELINQUENCY

A social-scientific perspective is used to examine major theories in the social, behavioral, biological and economic sciences that purport to explain the causes of crime and delinquency. The theoretical basis and practical implications of crime and delinquency-prevention strategies are also analyzed.

Required text and readings

Vold, Bernard and Snipes, Theoretical Criminology, Oxford University Press, Sixth Edition, 2009.

This website - Research Process and Research Designs

Exams

Two non-cumulative short-answer essay exams worth 30 points each that test comprehension of readings, class discussions, films and videos. Each exam will have ten short-answer questions worth 2 points each (0 for a poor or fair answer, 1 for a good answer and 2 for an excellent answer) and one or two essays worth a total of ten points, which will ask you to integrate the films into your answer.

A makeup exam for the midterm may be given for a documented emergency. If you cannot take the midterm on the date scheduled date, e-mail. You will have one opportunity to take the make-up, during the next class session. If you cannot you should drop the course.

Both exams are mandatory components of the course. To earn a grade higher than "F" both exams must be taken.

Term paper and presentation

Each student will turn in a paper and participate in a panel. Please see the link for instructions.

Course grading

100 points can be earned - 30 for each exam, 20 for the paper, 10 for the presentation, and 10 for attendance, to be taken five times at the end of randomly-selected class meetings (2 points each). At the end of the term, grades will be assigned using the conventional scale (A=90, B=80, C=70, D=60, F=59 or lower), curved if necessary to reflect class performance. Unexcused failure to take an exam or submit or present the paper forfeits those points. No extra credit assignments will be given.

I do NOT use the plus/minus system. Any instance of academic dishonesty will result in a term grade of "F".

Weekly schedule

(Topics may change to accommodate guest speakers. Due dates and exam dates will not change)

Week no. - Topic - Text chapter - Outside readings and assignments

1 - ABOUT THEORIES - Chapter 1 - Research Process and Research Designs

2 - BIOLOGICAL THEORIES - Chapter 3

3 - NO CLASS (LABOR DAY)

4 - PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES - Chapter 4

5 - ECONOMIC THEORIES - Chapter 5

6 - CONTROL THEORIES - Chapter 10

7 - MIDTERM EXAM - Chapter 1, 3-5, 10

8 - STRAIN THEORIES - Chapter 8