This
is a "traditional" course with several web-based components.
Our interactions will occur in the classroom as well as online.
Assignments
are arranged in course "modules." Each module includes
reading, internet, and other assignments. Links to these modules
are found on the course modules page.
Throughout this course our focus will be on
the analysis of several issues. Please think about these issues
as you move through your assignments:
Definition
of Crime and Criminals
What
behavior and offenders have been defined as "criminal?" What
is the process through which this definition occurs?
How
does the definition, and the process of defining, of "Crime" differ from the definition
of "deviance?"
What activities, arguably criminal or deviant,
are ignored in the process of definition?
Do these definitions introduce bias into our
society and system of justice?
Are actions and behaviors defined as crime
because they threaten existing social structure?
What is the role of norms and customs?
Why
do People Commit Crime?
Are
some people "born to be bad?"
Are criminals sick?
Do people learn to be bad? If so, from whom,
and how, do they learn?
Is criminal and deviant behavior simply a result
of rational choices?
What is the interaction of social status and
crime? What about age, intelligence, and other factors?
Can we more clearly understand crime and deviance
by examining gender?
Do crime rates differ among various populations?
If so, can the varying rates be explained by cultural, social,
or environmental factors? Does the definition process lead
to different crime rates among different populations?
How has our understanding of crime changed
over time?
Course
Outline and Schedule
Click
on the "Course Outline" and "Course
Module" buttons to review the outline and schedule for
this class. Assignments and due dates for modules are included
in each module page. Be sure you review the entire Outline
and Calendar within the first few days of the semester.
