This class concerns the representations of crime and the criminal justice system in films. Crime films reflect society's impressions about social, economic, and philosophical issues and, in turn, shape the way we think about these issues. The point of this course is to examine how film represents, distorts, and/or filters crime and justice issues. Also, films are used as a mechanism to explore issues (e.g., political ideology, corrections policy, causes of crime) that are central to the study of crime.

Course Objectives/Outcomes
Upon completing this class, students will:

1. Have the skills to critically view crime films and recognize the construction of crime and justice (e.g., cops, courts, prisons) within such films.
2. Understand the basic theoretical perspectives on crime, and be able to relate these perspectives to film portrayals of the causes of crime.
3. Understand the role of political ideology in criminology and criminal justice and recognize ideological viewpoints in films
4. Understand the contemporary and historical issues regarding the criminal justice system and connect these issues theatrical portrayals.

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.

Given the nature of this class, (viewing and discussing crime films) attendance and participation is crucial. Therefore, I will take attendance, and participation (for which attendance is a necessary condition) makes up 30% of your grade.

All students are expected to turn in assignments on the day they are due. Failure to do so will result in substantial penalties. If the assignment is not turned in within 2 school days of the due date it will not be accepted.

Exams: For this class, there is a single (comprehensive) final exam. The exam will be take-home, and must be typed. Specifics for the exam will be disseminated to students as the class progresses. The exam will be due on the final day of class.

Assignments: For each assignment there are one or two questions designed to help you think critically about the films and readings. You must complete all assignments. Assignments will be posted online, and are due on the calendar date where they are posted. Typically, reading-based assignments are due prior to discussing the reading, while film-based assignments are due the day after we view a film. These are meant to be exercises in ACADEMIC writing, so please follow the ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES. You will lose points for improper citation, poor grammer, and spelling errors.

Participation: Given the small class size, it is incumbent upon each student to prepare for each class by reading the assigned material. To the extent that you are prepared, the lectures will make more sense and the class discussions will be more meaningful. Your participation score will obviously depend upon attendance, but will also include more than attendance. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions.

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