This is an introductory level class dealing with the basic principles of criminology and criminal justice. The course topics are organized into four sections: (a) the nature and extent of crime, (b) theories of crime, (c) types of crime, and (d) the criminal justice system. The theoretical perspectives addressed will include those from both psychological and sociological traditions, and from both the individual and ecological (macro) levels of explanation.

Course Objectives:

• To learn the basic empirical facts regarding the nature, extent, and distribution of crime
• To understand the theoretical perspectives that attempt to explain why (and where) crime occurs
• To understand the policy implications (what we should do about crime) that flow from different theories
• To understand the history of police, the judicial system, and the corrections system and the role that they play in modern American society

Barkan, Steven E. (2001). Criminology: A Sociological Understanding. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall

Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the semester. Adaptation of methods, materials or testing may be made as required to provide for equitable participation. It is your responsibility to contact the Access Center for advice regarding adaptations.

Cheating on exams or assignments will be dealt with in accordance with University policies. Anyone caught cheating on an exam will receive a zero for that exam. Plagiarism refers to presenting another's words or ideas as if they were your own. It is cheating and thus an academic offense. The penalty for plagiarism is failure for that particular assignment. I encourage you to work together, but you must turn in your own work. If you use ideas or words from the texts or outside readings, you must cite the work.

I do not take attendance and there is no formal penalty for missing class (no points will be deducted from your score based solely on attendance). However, past experience with teaching this class suggests that a student's attendance is strongly related to his or her exam performance. For some topics, the lecture will be your sole source of information, and many of the exam questions are drawn straight from the lecture. Finally, many group assignments will take place as a part of class. If you are absent, you will receive a zero for that assignment. In short, it is to your benefit to attend class regularly.

Given that attendance is not mandatory, I expect that students who attend class will pay attention to the lecture, and not hold conversations unrelated to class, pass notes, or engage in other high school level antics. Please turn off your cell phone prior to class and refrain from making cell phone calls during class. Given the nature of our topic, there are bound to be differences of opinion. In your groupwork and in the classroom, I expect that students will nevertheless treat each other (and myself) with respect at all times.

All students are expected to take the exams on the scheduled date. If you have a legitimate excuse, you must notify me before the exam. Anyone missing an exam without prior notification will receive a zero for that exam.

Exams: There will be three examinations. Each exam will consist of 50-60 multiple choice type questions. These are computer scored exams that do require (a) a #2 pencil to fill in the computer sheets, and (b) your student ID number.

Group Work and Assignments: Each of you will be assigned to groups of approximately 5 students. Each group will be assigned to a teaching assistant. The groups will be used to facilitate class discussions. For some topics, you will be required (either individually or as a group) to complete written assignments. These assignments and group activities make up 25% of your grade. If you miss class the day of a group assignment, you will receive a zero for that assignment. At the end of the semester I will drop the lowest score. This means you can miss one assignment without penalty.

Grading Scale: (Instructor reserves right to curve final grades upward)

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO "EXTRA CREDIT" AVAILABLE FOR THIS CLASS!!!!!