PBS300: Introduction to Crime and Deviance

PBS300: Introduction to Crime and Deviance
Credit Hours:
3
Contact Hours:
This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 10-25 hours per week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers, completing projects, and doing research.
Course Description and Outcomes
Course Description:
In this course, students explore crime, its micro and macro social context, and underlying causes. Students will be introduced to various theoretical perspectives explaining crime and, by the end of the course, apply relevant theories to explain crime and criminal behavior. Students will also be acquainted with the primary sources of crime statistics, which are an essential component in studying crime and testing theories.
Course Overview:
This course involves basic coverage of crime and deviant behavior from sociological, economic, cultural and legal perspectives. Included is a review of the causes and effects of antisocial behavior, crime prevention and punishment.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Discuss the current, competing theories in criminology and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of those theories.
2. Apply theory to crime analysis and international crime issues.
3. Discover and compare major sources of crime information for crime studies.
4. Describe how criminological theory influences policy implications.
5. Investigate the characteristics of victimology and victimless crimes.
Participation & Attendance
Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus. Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor.
Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your instructor know as soon as possible. SAMPLE
Course Materials
Textbook Information is located in the CSU-Global Booklist on the Student Portal.
Due Dates
The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday.
• Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. MT and Peer Responses posted by Sunday 11:59 p.m. MT. Late posts may not be awarded points.
• Opening Exercises: Take the opening exercise before reading each week’s content to see which areas you will need to focus on. You may take these exercises as many times as you need. The opening exercises will not affect your final grade.
• Mastery Exercises: Students may access and retake mastery exercises through the last day of class until they achieve the scores they desire.
• Critical Thinking: Assignments are due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. MT.
• Live Classroom: Although participation is not required, Live Classroom sessions are held during Week 2 and Weeks 5 or 6. There are two total sessions.
Course Schedule
Week #
Readings
Assignments
1
• Chapter 1 in Introduction to Criminology, Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior
• Chambliss, W. (2004). On the symbiosis between criminal law and criminal behavior. Criminology, 42(2), 241-251.
• Odabasi, M. (2014). Decriminalizing marijuana: Understanding the marijuana debate through history and policy. European Scientific Journal, 10(1), 45-58.
• Discussion (25 points)
• Mastery (10 points)
2
• Chapters 2 & 3 in Introduction to Criminology, Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior
• Maxfield, M. G. (1999). The national incident-based reporting system: Research and policy applications. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 15(2), 119-149.
• Rennison, C. M., & Plenty, M. (2006). Reassessing Who Contributed Most to the Decline in Violence During the 1990s: A Reminder That Size Does Matter. Violence & Victims, 21(1), 23-47.
• Discussion (25 points)
• Mastery (10 points)
3
• Chapters 5 & 10 in Introduction to Criminology, Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior
• Cornish, D. & Clarke, R. (1987). Understanding crime displacement: an application of rational choice theory. Criminology, 25(4), 933-947.
• Hollander-Blumoff, R. (2012). Crime, punishment, and the psychology of self-control. Emory Law Journal, 61(3), 501-553.
• Discussion (25 points)
• Mastery (10 points)
• Critical Thinking (85 points) SAMPLE
4
• Chapters 6 & 9 in Introduction to Criminology, Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior
• Nistor-Lung, A. & Neagu, M. (2013). The Professional Experience of a Killer: devotion or need? Contemporary Readings in Law and Social Justice, 5(2), 735-740.
• Discussion (25 points)
• Mastery (10 points)
• Critical Thinking (95 points)
5
• Chapters 7 & 11 in Introduction to Criminology, Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior
• Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47-87.
• Bursik, R. J. (1988). Social disorganization and theories of crime and delinquency: Problems and prospects. Criminology, 26(4), 519-551.
• Discussion (25 points)
• Mastery (10 points)
• Critical Thinking (95 points)
6
• Chapter 8 in Introduction to Criminology, Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior
• Tittle, C. (2000). Theoretical developments in criminology. Criminal justice 2000, the nature of crime: Continuity and change (Vol. 1, pp. 51-100).
• Minh, A. Matheson, F., Daoud, N., Hamilton-Wright, S., Pedersen, C. Borenstein, H & O’Campo, P., (2013). Linking Childhood and Adult Criminality: Using a life course framework to examine childhood abuse and neglect, substance abuse, and adult partner violence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10, 5470-5489. doi:10.3390/ijerph10115470.
• Discussion (25 points)
• Mastery (10 points)
• Critical Thinking (95 points)
7
• Chapter 4 & 14 in Introduction to Criminology, Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior
• Tsui, J. (2014). “Breaking Free of the Prison Paradigm: Integrating restorative justice techniques into Chicago’s juvenile justice system.” Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, 104(3), 635-666.
• Wilson, J. Q., & Kelling, G. L. (1982). Broken Windows: The police and neighborhood safety. Atlantic. (02769077), 249(3), 29.
• Discussion (25 points)
• Mastery (10 points)
8
• Chapter 15 in Introduction to Criminology, Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior
• Fisher, K. (2009). The distinct character of international crime: Theorizing the domain. Contemporary Political Theory, 8(1), 44-67.
• Discussion (25 points)
• Mastery (10 points)
• Portfolio (350 points)
Assignment Details This course includes the following assignments/projects:
Module 1
PORTFOLIO PROJECT RECOMMENDATION
Portfolio Project Options 1 & 2 – What makes a Criminal?
SAMPLE
In preparation for the final Portfolio Project in this class, you should begin to consider which assignment you wish to investigate, examine further and start research on. Please read the complete Portfolio Project Description and Rubric in Week 8.
Module 2
PORTFOLIO PROJECT RECOMMENDATION
Portfolio Project Options 1 & 2 – Summary of What Makes a Criminal
Pick two articles to be used for the Portfolio Project and write a short summary about how the articles will be used in the paper.
You should have identified the career criminal to investigate and analyze for the Portfolio Project and begun research. Please contact the instructor for advice and guidance on the Portfolio Project.
Module 3
CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (85 points)
Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Type of crime
In an essay, identify and explain two ways in which a particular type of crime (property, violent, or drug crime) can be explained using the Classical and Neoclassical schools of criminology.
Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length and conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least two scholarly references in addition to the course textbook. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these references.
Option #2: Situational Crime Prevention
In an essay, explain how situational crime prevention is utilized in reducing crime. In your discussion, please provide one example of a situational crime prevention measure and explain whether drug, violent, or property crimes are better suited to situational controls.
Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length and conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least two scholarly references in addition to the course textbook. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these references.
PORTFOLIO PROJECT MILESTONE
Portfolio Project Options 1 & 2 – Turn in an outline of your paper – The Making of a Criminal
After having been introduced to crimes of violence, you now should be making a final determination as to which career criminal to research for their Portfolio Project. You should be starting that research in earnest. Be certain not to overlook academic research in this Portfolio Project. Turn in an outline of your paper this week for instructor feedback.
Module 4
CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (95 points)
Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Is Prison a Deterrence? SAMPLE
Discuss whether, or not, you feel that prison can be used as deterrence to criminals like Jeffrey Dahmer. Explain why, or why not. Are there alternatives that could deter or prevent crimes like those that Dahmer committed?
Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length and conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least two scholarly references in addition to the course textbook. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these references.
Option #2: Biological and Psychological Theories
Compare and contrast how biological and psychological theories can be used to explain violent crime. Provide one shortcoming, or critique, in the utilization of these theories for measures of crime reduction.
Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length and conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least two scholarly references in addition to the course textbook. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these references.
Module 5
CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (95 points)
Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Strain Theory and Student Misconduct
Address whether strain theory could be applied to student misconduct such as cheating or plagiarism. Please provide two reasons for your position in the supporting analysis.
Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length and conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least two scholarly references in addition to the course textbook. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these references.
Option #2: Why Juveniles Join Gangs
Use two theories that could be applied to explain the reasons why juveniles join gangs. Please provide a brief discussion of the theory as well as the application of the theory and use at least two outside sources, in addition to the textbook.
Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length and conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least two scholarly references in addition to the course textbook. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these references.
PORTFOLIO PROJECT MILESTONE – These milestones are not graded individually, but their submission is calculated in your final grade for the Portfolio Project.
Portfolio Project Option 1 – What Makes a Criminal?
Please submit a list of references for the Portfolio Project.
Portfolio Project Option 2 – What Makes a Criminal?
Please submit a list of references for the Portfolio Project and a draft of the PowerPoint presentation.
Module 6
CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (95 points) SAMPLE
Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1: Critical Criminology
Watch the video. Given the information you have regarding “Richard,” explain under which theory of critical criminology you would argue he operated. State your position, reasoning, and support. You are encouraged to conduct additional research on the theory of your choice to develop fully your analysis.
Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length and conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least two scholarly references in addition to the course textbook. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these references.
Option #2: Integrative Theory
Watch the video. Given the information you have regarding “Richard,” explain Richard’s crime using an integrative theory. State your position, reasoning, and support. Additionally, explain why an integrative theory has more power in explaining the crime. You are encouraged to conduct additional research on the theory of your choice to fully develop your analysis.
Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length and conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least two scholarly references in addition to the course textbook. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these references.
PORTFOLIO PROJECT MILESTONE – These milestones are not graded individually, but their submission is calculated in your final grade for the Portfolio Project.
Portfolio Project Option 1 & 2 – What Makes a Criminal?
Please submit a complete outline for the Portfolio paper or presentation.
Module 8
PORTFOLIO PROJECT (350 points)
Option 1– What Makes a Criminal? (Essay)
Pick from one of two criminals, Bernie Madoff or Charles Manson, and write a 6-8 page essay using 2-3 criminological theories that can be utilized to explain their crimes. Your paper should conform to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. Include at least eight scholarly references in addition to the course textbook. The CSU-Global Library is a good place to find these references.
Option 2– What Makes a Criminal? (Presentation)
Pick from one of two criminals, Bernie Madoff or Charles Manson, and prepare a 20-25 minute presentation, with PowerPoint, using 2-3 criminological theories to explain their crimes. The PowerPoint can have voiceover recorded or could be uploaded to VoiceThread. If using an online presentation method, provide a link to the presentation in a Word document and submit that for grading. The presentation must include speaker’s notes and a references page along with appropriate citations following CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.
Course Policies
SAMPLE
Course Grading
20% Discussion Participation
0% Opening Exercises
0% Live Classroom
8% Mastery Exercises 37% Critical Thinking Assignments 35% Final Portfolio Paper
Grading Scale and Policies
A
95.0 – 100
A-
90.0 – 94.9
B+
86.7 – 89.9
B
83.3 – 86.6
B-
80.0 – 83.2
C+
75.0 – 79.9
C
70.0 – 74.9
D
60.0 – 69.9
F
59.9 or below
In-Classroom Policies
For information on late work and incomplete grade policies, please refer to our In-Classroom Student Policies and Guidelines or the Academic Catalog for comprehensive documentation of CSU-Global institutional policies.
Academic Integrity
Students must assume responsibility for maintaining honesty in all work submitted for credit and in any other work designated by the instructor of the course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, reusing /re-purposing your own work (see CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements for percentage of repurposed work that can be used in an assignment), unauthorized possession of academic materials, and unauthorized collaboration. The CSU-Global Library provides information on how students can avoid plagiarism by understanding what it is and how to use the Library and Internet resources.
Citing Sources with APA Style
All students are expected to follow the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements when citing in APA (based on the APA Style Manual, 6th edition) for all assignments. For details on CSU-Global APA style, please review the APA resources within the CSU-Global Library under the “APA Guide & Resources” link. A link to this document should also be provided within most assignment descriptions on your course’s Assignments page.
Disability Services Statement
CSU–Global is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability requesting academic accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Coordinator at 720-279-0650 and/or email ada@CSUGlobal.edu for additional information to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Netiquette
Respect the diversity of opinions among the instructor and classmates and engage with them in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner. All posts and classroom communication must be conducted in accordance with the student code of conduct. Think before you push the Send button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words?
Maintain an environment free of harassment, stalking, threats, abuse, insults or humiliation toward the instructor and classmates. This includes, but is not limited to, demeaning written or oral comments of an ethnic, religious, age, disability, sexist (or sexual orientation), or racist nature; and the unwanted sexual advances or intimidations by email, or on discussion boards and other postings within or connected to the online classroom. SAMPLE
If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.
SAMPLE