Soc of Crime



SOCIOLOGY OF CRIMEUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnCourse Syllabus Instructor: Lisa Kort-Butler, Ph.D.SOCI 209Email: Lkortbutler2@unl.edu MWF 11:30-12:20 a.m.Office: Oldfather Hall, Rm. 718Class meets: Bessey Hall 117Zoom office hours: Mon. 12:30-1:30 or by appt.Required MaterialsCriminology: A Sociological Understanding, 7th ed. by Steven E. Barkan (E-Text available)The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice, 5th ed. by Victor E. Kappeler & Gary W. PotterReadings/activities indicated in the course schedule, posted as PDF files or HTML links on Canvas Course DescriptionThe sociology of crime involves the study of crime and criminal behavior. It focuses on the nature and extent of crime, the causes of crime, patterns of crime, and the social reaction to crime. In this course, we will be studying the scientific approach to understanding crime and criminal behavior. Throughout the course, we will be discussing the concepts, approaches, and terminology of criminology by way of lectures, discussions, group activities, and media. Achievement-Centered Education (ACE) Student Learning OutcomesThe University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to provide quality education to all of its students. ?To that end, it has designated certain classes as ACE certified. ?These classes provide and assess?specific learning outcomes. As an ACE class, SOCI209 will facilitate Learning Outcome #6, using knowledge, theories, methods, and historical perspectives appropriate to the social sciences to understand and evaluate human behavior.? ACE learning outcomes in this class will be assessed by exams, in-class activities, and written assignments. This class will:Expand the student’s understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and the reaction to crime as social phenomena.Foster the student’s ability to view crime from a sociological perspective based on scientific method rather than “common sense.”Introduce the student to the ideas, methodology, and terminology used by sociologists and criminologists to study crime.Assist the student in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills involved in “doing” criminology.Provide the student with the information needed to analyze how crime and criminal justice are associated with social organization and social location, including culture, community, social class, gender, race, and age.Facilitate these goals through lecture, readings, media, and in-class & out-of-class activities.Course PoliciesYou are responsible for reading and following all information, keeping up with materials and assignments, knowing and respecting all deadlines, and asking for assistance when you need it. Attendance & Engagement: I know that, especially in the face of a pandemic, it is crucial that individuals who are sick stay home. At the same time, I know that regular engagement with a course is key to students’ abilities to be successful in that course. Attendance in this course is not graded; your interaction and engagement with course activities is, as identified below. However, attendance will be taken during any in-classroom activity to facilitate contact tracing if needed. Your presence will also be noted/recorded during class-based Zoom activities.Inclusive and Positive Environment: I intend to foster a learning environment in which everyone can feel open to share their ideas and participate fully in class. I need your help to do it! I expect you to show respect for others. You should thoughtfully listen to others and read others’ posts, and be able to disagree with their ideas without judging or disparaging them. This creates a positive learning space. I encourage, welcome, and support thoughtful discussion. However, I do not tolerate discussion that becomes disrespectful or behavior that becomes threatening. All faculty, staff and students are responsible for understanding and complying with UNL’s equity policies. For more information, visit unl.edu/equity.Academic Integrity: Academic honesty is essential to the existence and integrity of an academic institution. The responsibility for maintaining that integrity is shared by all members of the academic community. The University's Student Code of Conduct addresses academic dishonesty. Students who commit acts of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action and are granted due process and the right to appeal any decision. For more information, visit studentconduct.unl.edu/academic-integrity.When you place your name on an assignment or exam, I interpret this to mean that you have received no unauthorized assistance. Unauthorized assistance includes but is not limited to: cheating on an exam, turning in assignments/exams as your own work when it is not, and plagiarism (presenting someone else’s published ideas as your own). For more on what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it, visit . These acts will not be tolerated. In this course, the 1st offense will result in failing the assignment. The 2nd offense will result in failing the course. Infractions will also be reported to the Dean of Students. Services for Students with Disabilities: The University strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please let me know immediately so that we can discuss options privately. To establish reasonable accommodations, I may request that you register with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). If you are eligible for services and register with their office, make arrangements with me as soon as possible to discuss your accommodations so they can be implemented in a timely manner. To receive accommodation services, you must be registered with the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office (unl.edu/ssd), 232 Canfield Administration, 472-3787 voice or TTY. In-Person Course Polices:Masks/face coverings are required in classrooms and public spaces per UNL policy. Please be respectful of others: wash your hands (or use sanitizer) prior to entering the classroom, watch your physical distance, and wear a mask. Please refer to the full UNL policy regarding facial coverings in Appendix A.Please be courteous and silence phones and other gadgets before you enter class. In class, this includes removing ear-buds, Bluetooth devices, etc. I consider texting in class unnecessary and disrespectful, as is using your phone for other activities. A reminder that you should ONLY be using your laptop/tablet for class purposes. Your privileges can be revoked.No food in class. Beverages are acceptable, but you must replace your mask between sips. Pro-tip: Straws work well under masks.Other Course Policies (In-person or online): Course materials are intellectual property. Students may not make or distribute screen captures, audio/video recordings of, or livestream, any class-related activity, including lectures, exams, and presentations, without express prior written consent from me or an approved accommodation from Services for Students with Disabilities. Please refer to the full UNL policy regarding intellectual property in Appendix B.Students enrolled in the class have an expectation of privacy. Under no circumstance should students share other students’ work with people outside the class. Please be respectful of me and your classmates: focus on active listening while others are speaking. You can see the basics of Zoom etiquette here. Similarly, comments on discussion board posts should be constructive and avoid rude language or personal attacks. Please refer to the “discussion board etiquette” link on Canvas.If, for any reason, you are disruptive or disrespectful to your classmates, I may deduct from your grade, ask you to leave class for the day, and/or make a referral to the Office of Student Affairs.Technology Issues: If you are experiencing a problem with Canvas (e.g., accessing materials, uploading information), please let me know as soon as possible. Don’t wait until 30 minutes before something is due: I won’t be able to help you then. For any technical or computing questions, you can contact UNL Help Desk (its.unl.edu/helpcenter/). Written Work Policies: Please follow the “written work policies” that are posted on Canvas.Email: Remember that all communications with faculty are business communications, and write emails accordingly. Please consult this Inside Higher Ed article for formatting guidelines. Please note I only check and respond to emails during business hours (Mon-Fri, 8 to 5). Allow for a 24-hour turnaround.Course RequirementsReading Quizzes. The quizzes over assigned readings consist of true/false, multiple choice, and short answer questions. The quizzes are administered via Canvas. I recommend completing the quizzes shortly after reading, although they must be completed by the due date.Lecture Quizzes & Check-Ins. In addition to recorded lectures, videos are placed throughout the course to supplement lectures and facilitate conversation. Quizzes over online lectures consist of true/false, multiple choice, and short answer questions. Check-ins take the form of completed viewer’s guides or short answers that prompt you to apply a concept from the lecture/video. I recommend completing the quiz/check-ins shortly after viewing and taking notes from the lectures/videos, although they must be completed by the due date.Classroom Labs: Participation is an important part of the course. In order to participate fully, you must be prepared. Simply reading/skimming the assignments are not sufficient. Rather, you should be attentive and critical, so that you are prepared to contribute relevant ideas, reactions, and questions to the conversation. Your classroom lab grade is based on engagement with lab activities. Ideally, you should complete the readings/lectures prior to attending labs. You are responsible for signing-up weekly via Canvas calendar to reserve your in-person or online seat. Classroom space is limited, so you will not be allowed entry without signing-up.Crime in the Media Discussion Board. The discussion boards are an opportunity to explore the intersection of crime and the media and for students to engage with one another. This typically means brief analyses of news stories, magazine clippings, websites, commercials, etc. Students are required to view and comment on other students’ posts. Details on Canvas. GradingSpecification:Reading quizzes25%Lecture quizzes/ check-ins25%Classroom labs25%Discussion boards25%Grading scale:97 – 100% = A+93 – 96% = A83 – 86% = B73 – 76% = C63 – 66% = D90 – 92% = A-80 – 82% = B-70 – 72% = C-60 – 62% = D-87 – 89% = B+77 – 79% = C+67 – 69% = D+0 – 59% = FOther InformationCanvas: Please make sure you have a preferred contact method set in Canvas. This is how I communicate with you throughout the semester. Readings & Lectures: The readings and lectures are vital parts of this course. However, from past experience I have found that some students think that an assigned reading, especially a textbook, is the course, and the purpose of an instructor is to guide the student through the book. This is rarely true at the college level. I do not “teach” the books. There is overlap between the material covered in recorded lectures and the readings, but do not expect one to duplicate the other. You are responsible for reading the books and taking lecture notes, then asking questions during class lab times or office hours.Deadlines: I take seriously my role in preparing you for future employment. Employers do not want excuses; they want competent people who can get the job done. I have the same expectations for my students. Please have work submitted by the posted date and time. I do not send reminders. Late work will automatically be deducted 10% per day. If you have connectivity, scheduling, or other issues it is your responsibility to let me know ASAP. It is VERY easy to fall behind in hybrid classes. Push yourself to stay on schedule.Student Wellness Resources: The UNL Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)?offers a safe, confidential place where a student can slow down, think out loud, get support, and start finding solutions. Services include individual and relationship counseling, and support and therapy groups. The Center for Advocacy, Response & Education (CARE)?provides support for individuals who have experienced relationship violence or sexual assault. CARE Advocates are a confidential resource who can provide information about services and support decision-making.?Dates to NoteAug. 28 = Last day to drop a class. After this date, a “W” will appear on your transcript.Oct. 2 = Last day to change to Pass/No Pass grade.Oct. 28 = Last day to withdraw from a class.Schedule of Activities The dates listed are the dates I expect you to have completed the assigned material.Please note that I reserve the right to modify the syllabus to meet the needs of the course or the virus.Module 0: Course IntroductionMaterials & ActivitiesTo-Do in CanvasWeek 1 8/17-8/23(Online only)Watch “Course Introduction” videoReview material in Module 0Read Ch. 1 (B): Criminology and the Sociological PerspectiveWatch: Crime: Crash Course Sociology #20Join Zoom Intro Friday 8/21 at 11:30 a.m. (will be recorded & posted)Due 8/23Quiz 0Discussion post 0Schedule Week 2 labModule 1: The Study of Crime Materials & ActivitiesTo-Do in CanvasWeek 2 8/24-8/30Read Ch. 1 (K&P): The Social Construction of Crime MythsRead Ch. 2 (B): Public Opinion, the News Media, & the Crime ProblemWatch Week 2 Lecture Attend Week 2 LabDue 8/30Reading Quiz 1Lecture Quiz 1Schedule Week 3 labWeek 38/31-9/6Read Ch. 3 (B): The Measurement and Patterning of Criminal BehaviorRead Ch. 2 (K&P): Crime Waves, Fears, and Social RealityWatch Week 3 Lecture Attend Week 3 LabDue 9/6Reading Quiz 2Lecture Quiz 2Schedule Week 4 labWeek 49/7-9/13Read Ch. 4 (B): Victims & VictimizationRead Ch. 3 (K&P): The Myth and Fear of Missing ChildrenWatch Week 4 Lecture Attend Week 4 LabDue 9/13Reading Quiz 3Lecture Quiz 3Schedule Week 5 labDiscussion post 1 (due 9/11) + 2 responses (due 9/13)Discussion Board 1Module 2: Theories of Crime CausationMaterials & ActivitiesTo-Do in CanvasWeek 59/14-9/20Read Ch. 5 (B): Classical & Neoclassical TheoriesWatch Week 5 Lecture Attend Week 5 LabDue 9/20Reading Quiz 4Lecture Quiz 4Schedule Week 6 labWeek 69/21-9/27Read Ch. 7 (B): Social Structure TheoriesWatch Week 6 Lecture Attend Week 6 LabDue 9/27Reading Quiz 5Lecture Quiz 5Schedule Week 7 labWeek 79/28-10/4Read Ch. 8 (B): Social Process TheoriesWatch Week 7 Lecture Attend Week 7 LabDue 10/4Reading Quiz 6Lecture Quiz 6Schedule Week 8 labDiscussion post 2 (due 10/2) + 2 responses (due 10/4)Discussion Board 2Module 3: Typologies of CrimeMaterials & ActivitiesTo-Do in CanvasWeek 810/5-10/11Read Ch. 12 (B) Property Crime & FraudWatch Week 8 Lecture Attend Week 8 LabDue 10/11Reading Quiz 7Lecture Quiz 7Schedule Week 9 labWeek 910/12-10/18Read Ch. 10 (B): Violent CrimeCh. 8 (K&P): Juvenile Superpredators: The Myths of Killer KidsWatch Week 9 Lecture Attend Week 9 LabDue 10/18Reading Quiz 8Lecture Quiz 8Schedule Week 10 labWeek 10 10/19-10/25Read Ch. 13 (B): White Collar and Organized CrimeRead Ch. 6 (K&P): Corporate Crime and Higher ImmoralityWatch Week 10 Lecture Attend Week 10 LabDue 10/25Reading Quiz 9Lecture Quiz 9Schedule Week 11 labWeek 1110/26-11/1Read Ch. 15 (B): Consensual CrimeRead Ch. 7 (K&P): Apocalypse Now: The Lost War on DrugsWatch Week 11 Lecture Attend Week 11 LabDue 11/1Reading Quiz 10Lecture Quiz 10Schedule Week 12 labDiscussion post 3 (due 10/30) + 2 responses (due 11/1)Discussion Board 3Unit 4: An Overview of the Criminal Justice System Materials & ActivitiesTo-Do in CanvasWeek 1211/2-11/8Read Ch. 16 (B): Policing: Dilemmas of Crime ControlRead Ch. 9 (K&P): Battered & Blue Crime FightersWatch Week 12 Lecture Attend Week 12 LabDue 11/8Reading Quiz 11Lecture Quiz 11Schedule Week 13 labWeek 1311/9-11/15Read Ch. 17 (B): Prosecution and PunishmentCh. 12 (K&P): The Myth of a Lenient Criminal Justice SystemWatch Week 13 Lecture Attend Week 13 LabDue 11/15Reading Quiz 12Lecture Quiz 12Week 1411/15-11/20Listen (or read transcript): Less incarceration, less crime Read Ch. 18 (B): How Can We Reduce CrimeRead Ch. 14 (K&P): Merging Myths & Misconceptions of Crime and JusticeWatch Week 14 Lecture Join Zoom wrap-up Wednesday 11/18 at 11:30 a.m.Due 11/20Reading Quiz 13Lecture Quiz 13Discussion post 4 (due 11/19) + 2 responses (due 11/20)Discussion Board 4APPENDIX A – Required Use of Face Coverings for On-Campus Shared Learning EnvironmentsAs of July 17, 2020 and until further notice, all University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) faculty, staff, students, and visitors (including contractors, service providers, and others) are required to use a facial covering at all times when indoors except under specific conditions outlined in the COVID 19 face covering policy found at: . This statement is meant to clarify classroom policies for face coverings:To protect the health and well-being of the University and wider community, UNL has implemented a policy requiring all people, including students, faculty, and staff, to wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose while on campus. The classroom is a community, and as a community, we seek to maintain the health and safety of all members by wearing face coverings when in the classroom. Failure to comply with this policy is interpreted as a disruption of the classroom and may be a violation of UNL’s Student Code of Conduct.Individuals who have health or medical reasons for not wearing face coverings should work with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (for students) or the Office of Faculty/Staff Disability Services (for faculty and staff) to establish accommodations to address the health concern. Students who prefer not to wear a face covering should work with their advisor to arrange a fully online course schedule that does not require their presence on campus.Students in the classroom:If a student is not properly wearing a face covering, the instructor will remind the student of the policy and ask them to comply with it.If the student will not comply with the face covering policy, the instructor will ask the student to leave the classroom, and the student may only return when they are properly wearing a face covering.If the student refuses to properly wear a face covering or leave the classroom, the instructor will dismiss the class and will report the student to Student Conduct & Community Standards for misconduct, where the student will be subject to disciplinary action. Instructors in the classroom:If an instructor is not properly wearing a face covering, students will remind the instructor of the policy and ask them to comply with it.If an instructor will not properly wear a face covering, students may leave the classroom and should report the misconduct to the department chair or via the TIPS system for disciplinary action through faculty governance processes.APPENDIX B – Recording of Class-Related ActivityI invite all of you to join me in actively creating and contributing to a positive, productive, and respectful classroom culture. Each student contributes to an environment that shapes the learning process. Any work and/or communication that you are privy to as a member of this course should be treated as the intellectual property of the speaker/creator, and is not to be shared outside the context of this course.Students may not make or distribute screen captures, audio/video recordings of, or livestream, any class-related activity, including lectures and presentations, without express prior written consent from me or an approved accommodation from Services for Students with Disabilities. If you have (or think you may have) a disability such that you need to record or tape class-related activities, you should contact Services for Students with Disabilities. If you have an accommodation to record class-related activities, those recordings may not be shared with any other student, whether in this course or not, or with any other person or on any other platform. Failure to follow this policy on recording or distributing class-related activities may subject you to discipline under the Student Code of Conduct. ................
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