Welcome to Crime in America! This course will focus specifically on the USA and will introduce students to major theoretical perspectives within criminology and the sociology of law on crime, law, and social control. Students will then explore significant findings of empirical research conducted in the field of criminology as related to gender, race, and social class. We will also examine the ways in which media outlets operate and portray crime in the USA, including current and historical media and advertising campaigns that have been influential in the shaping of public opinion about crime. Finally, we will explore alternative visions to social control.

This course is designed to emphasize both flexibility and safety. With these objectives in mind, it will be taught as a “flipped” classroom. This means that you will be responsible for reading course materials and watching lecture recordings at home and then either (1) completing Asynchronous student assignments, (2) participating in in-person class discussions and activities over what you’ve learned, OR (3) participating in synchronous virtual discussions and activities over what you’ve learned. You must participate in ONE of these modalities each week.

Virtual live discussion sections will meet via Zoom during assigned course time. Exact time TBD based on student modality preference.  In-person meetings will take place in Deeds Hall, Room 103. Exact time TBD based on student modality preference.  

NOTE: If you choose to meet in-person, you MUST wear a mask or face shield properly the entire time you are in the classroom or within 6 feet of another person when entering the room. In accordance with this message from Chancellor Condon last session:

"We are requiring Masks, social distance and hand sanitizers and the Nurse and I have started to monitor this; confronting those not complying. We are leading by 'Walking around.' Students found out of compliance will be moved completely on-line and removed from campus. Faculty and staff found out of compliance will be reported to their supervisor,”

if you do not properly wear your mask (completely covering your nose, mouth, and chin) for the full duration of time you are in my classroom, you will be asked to leave and I will recommend to Chancellor Condon that you are removed from campus.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Exercise critical thinking to evaluate the social construction of law and crime
• Identify and describe major criminological theoretical frameworks
• Understand group disparities with regard to crime and social control
• Analyze media sources and recognize the contribution of media portrayals of crime to public opinion about crime and social control
• Imagine how criminological research can facilitate social change

COURSE SCHEDULE:

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:

I look forward to having you all in class!

Best,
Nicole