University of Colorado at Denver School of Public Affairs CJ5120/7120 NATURE & CAUSES OF CRIME SPRING 2009 Instructor: Mary Dodge, Ph.D. Office: 1380 Lawrence Street Suite 500 Phone: (303)315-2086 Email: mary.dodge@ucdenver.edu Office Hours: Monday 3:00-5:00 Tuesday 3:30-5:30 or by appointment Class: Tuesday 6:00pm-8:45pm LM 127 Websites: http://carbon.cudenver.edu/~m1dodge/ http://www.cudenver.edu/academics/colleges/spa/pages/index.aspx http://www.cudenver.edu/pages/home.aspx Catalog Description: This course analyzes the social origins of criminal behavior and the impact of crime on society. Various categories of deviant, delinquent, and criminal behaviors are examined; and attempts to control such behavior are assessed. Connections between social institutions, social problems, illegal activities, and the response of the public and the criminal justice system to the threat of crime are examined. Course Information and Objectives: Nature and Causes of Crime explores the biological, psychological, social, and economic factors that expert believe cause or contribute to criminal behavior. This course is designed to provide you with an understanding of the following: (a) the nature and extent of crime in contemporary America; (b) the concepts and theories related to the causes of crime, including an in-depth examination of causal theories, extent, control, and prevention of crime; (c) the terminology, concepts, and the nature of research and theory in criminology; and (d) an appreciation for the diverse values and viewpoints within the system. 1
Required Texts: Cullin, F., & Agnew, R. (2006). Criminological theory: Past to present (3 rd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Roxbury. Wallace, B.P., & Crowley, B. (2000). Final confession: The unsolved crimes of Phil Cresta. Boston, MA: Northeastern University Press. Assigned Journal Articles: Frei, A., Völlm, B., Graf, M., & Dittmann, V. (2006). Female serial killing: Review and case report. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, 16, 167-176. Geis, G. (2000). On the absence of self-control as the basis for a general theory of crime: A critique. Theoretical Criminology, 4(1), 35-53. Hodge, D.R., & Lietz, C.A. (2007). The international sexual trafficking of women and children. Journal of Women and Social Work, 22(2), 163-174. Jang, S.J., & Lyons, J.A. (2008). Strain, social support, and retreatism among African Americans. Journal of Black Studies, 37(2), 251-274. Wang, J.Z. (2002). Bank robberies by an Asian gang: An assessment of the routine activities theory. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 46(5), 555-568. Wolf, B.C., & Lavezzi, W.A. (2007). Paths to destruction: The lives and crimes of two serial killers. Journal of Forensic Science, 52(1), 199-203. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Term Project: A comprehensive term project will be required. Specific details regarding this project are provided on a separate handout. Your theories project will constitute 90 percent of your grade; 10 percent will be based on attendance, class participation, and group discussion. Late assignments will be subject to a one letter reduction in grade. 2
Course Policies: 1. Attendance Class attendance and participation is mandatory and is counted as part of your grade. Please note: You will not receive a passing grade unless you attend classes. A large percentage of the materials presented in class will not be available in the readings. Students who miss classes will find themselves at a disadvantage. 2. Assignments Papers must be turned in on time. Late papers will be subject to a one letter reduction in grade. Please discuss any problems or issues with assignments before the due date. 3. Academic Honesty Plagiarism of any kind will result in a failing grade (please see handout on specific policies and procedures for UCD & SPA). 4. Classroom Conduct Please turn off beepers and cell phones during class. Adherence to the Student Conduct Code is expected. My commitment is to create a climate for learning that is characterized by acceptance of differing viewpoints and an appreciation of the diverse contributions all students, faculty, and guests offer during class and discussions. Please remember that respect and courtesy are essential for healthy and productive communication. 5. Access, Disability, Communication Students with disabilities who want academic accommodations must register with Disability Resources and Services (DRS), 177 Arts Building, 303-556-3450, TTY 303-556-4766, FAX 303-556-2074. DRS require students to provide current and adequate documentation of their disabilities. Once a student has registered DRS will review the documentation and assess the student s request for academic accommodations. DRS will then provide the student with a letter indicating which academic accommodations have been approved. Please provide me with a copy of the DRS letter; I will be happy to provide the approved accommodations. 3
CJ5120/7120 NATURE & CAUSES OF CRIME SCHEDULE SPRING 2009 Week 1 January 20 Topic: Introduction & Overview Historical Overview-Classical Movement & Positivism Readings: Criminological Theory Part I: Chapters 1-2 Week 2 January 27 Topic: Biological & Psychological Theories Readings: Criminological Theory Part II: Chapters 3-6 Week 3 February 3 Topic: The Chicago School: The City, Social Disorganization, and Crime Readings: Criminological Theory Part III: Chapters 7-9 Week 4 February 10 Topic: Differential Association, Subcultural and Social Learning Theories Readings: Criminological Theory Part IV: Chapters 10-14 Week 5 February 17 Topic: Anomie/Strain Theories of Crime Readings: Criminological Theory Part V: Chapters 15-19 Journal Article: Jang, S.J., & Lyons, J.A. (2008). Week 6 February 24 Topic: Varieties of Control Theory Readings: Criminological Theory Part VI: Chapters 20-23 Journal Article: Geis, G. (2000). Week 7 March 3 Topic: Explaining the Crimes of Phil Cresta\Class Discussion Readings: Final Confessions 4
Week 8 March 10 Topic: Labeling, Interaction, and Crime Readings: Criminological Theory Part VII: Chapters 24-26 Week 9 March 17 Topic: Critical Criminology Readings: Criminological Theory Part VIII: Chapters 27-31 MIDTERM ASSIGNMENTS DUE SPRING BREAK March 23-29 Week 10 March 31 Topic: Examining Criminal Networks: Sexual Trafficking & Gender Readings: Journal Article: Hodge, D.R., & Lietz, C.A. (2007). Week 11 April 7 Topic: Feminist Theories: Gender, Power, and Crime Readings: Criminological Theory Part IX: Chapters 32-36 Week 12 April 14 Topic: Choice, Opportunity, and Punishment Readings: Criminological Theory Part X, XI, XII: Chapters 37-42 Journal Article: Wang, J.Z. (2002). Week 13 April 21 Topic: Developmental and Integrated Theories Readings: Criminological Theory Part XIII, XIV, Chapters 43-50 Week 14 April 28 Topic: Theory Application: Violent Crime\Class Discussion Readings: Journal Articles: Frei et al. (2006); Wolf & Lavezzi (2007). Week 15 May 5 Topic: Conclusions FINAL ASSIGNMENTS DUE FINALS WEEK May 11 th No Class 5