CLASSICAL CRIMINOLOGY THEORY

Thursday 7 - 9:30 p.m.

PROFESSOR 

Dr. E. Wilma van der Veen, B. Honours Math, Ph.D. Sociology

Phone:  902-857-1152 with voicemail                

Email: wwolfvan@yahoo.com 

Webpage:  husky1.stmarys.ca/~evanderveen/wvdv

Office:  MS 201 - only there during office hours

Office hours:  Thursday 6-7p.m. 

This course introduces students to the major themes of classical criminological theory. Students will examine key criminological debates from the 18^th to the mid 20th century which have influenced contemporary criminological theory. Topics will include classical, positivist, functionalist perspectives, etc..., and associated theorists. By analyzing a variety of theories, it is also hoped that the student will develop a theoretical view of her/his own and a critical (i.e., analytical) orientation toward theory in particular and social interaction in general. This course will provide you with an opportunity to explore ideas and philosophies about human nature as they relate to criminology and thus will require you to self-examine yourself by either re-examining and/or developing your views pertaining to this matter.

The course objectives will be achieved through a program of readings, class discussions and activities, and written work. THIS IS AN INTERACTIVE COURSE, NOT SOLELY LECTURE BASED.

Moyer, Imogene L., (2001), Criminological Theories: Traditional and Nontraditional Voices and Themes, Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks, California

WRITTEN WORK

	Due dates: Due dates for assignments are given for good reason and acceptance of this syllabus indicates your agreement to meet said due dates. In general, late work will not be accepted. In EXTREME cases where late work may be deemed acceptable there will be substantial penalties to the assessment. As a general rule, late submissions will have a minimum 10% penalty deducted of the assessment for the first day, and then 10% each subsequent day late. A day is considered to be either a week or weekend day.
	Submission: Do not submit your papers in folders; simply staple the pages together at the upper left-hand corner. Be sure to keep a copy of your paper in case it goes missing. Electronic copies of written work will only be accepted to prove on time submission of work; a hard copy must be submitted to receive a grade on the work by the next class after said due date. If no hard copy is provided by this time you will receive a zero on the work. When submitting papers not directly to myself, papers can be left with the secretaries of the sociology and criminology department, however, make sure the person receiving the paper signs it and notes the date of receipt. Unless otherwise specified, all written work must be typed and in complete sentence form.
	Questions: If you have any questions about the written work, consult with me well in advance of the due date.
	Sources: several sources should be used to explore the topic/question outside of the textbooks (the minimum number of sources required will be supplied when specific work is assigned). Sources for ALL ideas presented and quotations used are to be properly referenced using a recognized bibliographic format. When using internet sources, printouts of the actual webpages are to attached to the submitted work. Penalties will result if this referencing is not undertaken, amounting to a minimum of 10% of the grade. If you wish to include an anecdotal personal story, it is still to be written in third person. If you wish to include personal ideas, you must seek at least two academic sources for this idea in order to prove its validity, or demonstrate how your idea is derived from two other academic sources. Remember: Don’t confuse your own subjective interpretation with sociological ones and don’t make value statements in substitution for critical thinking.
	Writing style: all written work is to be written using 3rd person and formal academic writing style unless specified otherwise.
	Returned written work: In a class where you have received returned graded written work, you are NOT to consult with me immediately after class with queries pertaining to this assessment. You must take the time to review your work and then if still necessary discuss the matter after one week has passed.

Usually each week 2 different theory and associated theorist(s) are explored. You will be required to write a reflection report describing your thoughts on the theory and theorist(s) for three (3) different theories/theorists of your choice, due in class two weeks following the week the theory/theorist(s) was explored. Each reflection report will have assigned questions which are to be answered comprehensively. These reports will be an opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of theories and allow you to explore your thoughts on the theories considering the circumstances of today. Each report will require you to seek a minimum of 3 sources outside the textbook. It is highly recommended that you read original theorist’s work as part of your research in answering the questions. There is no singular right or wrong answer but a rational for your comments must be articulated, i.e. your comments must accurately reflect the ideas of the theories/theorists, and your interpretation of ideas must be logically consistent. These can be written in first person. Word length: approximately 1000.

During the first weeks of class, the class will be divided into groups and assigned a theory and/or associated theorist(s) to research with a date for a group class presentation.  Specifically your group will be required to explore and present:

1) a brief description of the historical, economical, political and cultural perspectives of the time during which the theory was developed and of the theorist(s) who developed the theory;

2) a synopsis of the theory with key terms and concepts with associated definitions;

3) a commentary as to why the ideas of the theory were appropriate during the time of its development, i.e. linking the theory/theorist to the times described in 1) – use your critical thinking skills to develop ideas about this piece;

4) application of the theory to at least two different types of crimes, blue or white collar crimes;

The presentation is to be approximately 15-20 minutes.  Creativity in presentation will be evaluated. Consider using props, role play, games, music, photos, etc… See me for ideas. Class time will be provided for groups to meet.

One group paper is to be submitted for this project, comprehensively discussing the above points. However, each individual group member will be required to submit individually a commentary on the division of workload and describing what were their responsibilities and what were the other group member responsibilities, e.g. how many meetings were organized, who attended, who was responsible for what material, etc... The assessment will consist of points for the group presentation, individual presentation and written report. The group project paper is due two weeks following the presentation. Word length: approximately 3000.

In order to provide a further exploration of a theory/theorist, from the assigned reading, you are required to submit on the day of the presentation, 2 questions which would help to further the classes’ exploration and comprehension of the ideas of theory/theorist. Note: If you are presenting you are not required to submit questions. These questions will be used in the discussion/debate which will follow the presentation.

Attendance is expected and will be taken during each class. Your attendance and participation is very important to your learning and that of other students in this class. It will become apparent if you have not conducted the readings and thus are unable to contribute constructive discussion in the class.

In general, I make no distinction between "excused" and "unexcused" absences. This frees you from having to bring a note from your doctor or something of that nature. I know that there are times when real life comes into conflict with the demands of pursuing an education, but your attendance in this class is important and you should make it a priority. If you are unable to attend at least 80% of the classes, then it is advisable that you withdraw from the course or else risk the application of penalties in the assessment. Two missed class periods are allowed, with each subsequent class missed amounting to a 1/2 point deduction in this component of the assessment. The 2 allotted absences are to be used in the event that dire circumstances keep you from class. Use the absences at your discretion, but DO NOT VIEW THESE ALLOTTED ABSENCES AS SKIP DAYS!!! The absences are provided because I understand that real life occasionally collides with your school responsibilities and these absences give you the flexibility to responsibly manage conflicting circumstances that may arise during the course of the semester without severe consequences for your point total. If you have MAJOR extenuating circumstances requiring an extended absence from campus (e.g. an accident or illness that requires extensive hospitalization, a death in the family, etc.), please see me and we may be able to make arrangements and/or will talk about the options the University provides for dropping, withdrawing, switching to audit, and so on.

If you are late, YOU are responsible for checking with me after class on the day you were late to correct the record. It is simply not feasible to alter attendance records days or even weeks after the fact. Excessive tardiness may result in a further loss of points from the final grade. If you are late for a general class session, simply slip in as quietly as possible.

Informed and constructive participation in class discussion is also expected. The course outline lists readings for each week. You must read and/or prepare all materials prior to the class period for which they are assigned. It is also helpful if you approach this class with an open mind and a sense of enthusiasm for learning. Participation is awarded for your involvement in in-class activities, exercises, discussions, and so on. Please note that participation points are awarded based on your active involvement and genuine participation, NOT for mere attendance (which is expected as a minimal requirement and is addressed above).

The following are a list of expectations you the student can have of me the professor for this course, and expectations I have of you during the course. If you have any questions or concerns about these expectations, then it is your responsibility to bring these to my attention during the first few weeks of classes. Otherwise it is understood that you agree to abide by these rights and responsibilities.

Your rights:

Your responsibilities:

As your professor, I am responsible for facilitating learning and serving as a resource for you in this class. It is my job to challenge you, to consider your work against the standards I set forth and those of a tertiary educational institution, and to evaluate your efforts based on my years of training and my years of teaching in the field of Sociology. As students, you are responsible for being here, for participating in class, for completing assignments in an appropriate and timely fashion, and for learning. Staying on top of things, being self-motivated, and putting forth adequate effort are all a part of the equation for you to earn a good grade in this course.

A few thoughts about attitude... It has been my experience that students who approach their education with a sense of excitement and a willingness to learn are more productive students. Holding on to the belief that you HAVE TO take this course prevents you from embracing the point of view that you GET TO take this course. This course may be outside your major area of interest, but the content will still relate to your daily activities at home, work, and school. We will laugh, we will experience nervousness, we will think critically, we will speak, we will listen, and we will learn. Most importantly, we will do these things together. There is no room for negative criticism of others and there is no room for laughter at the expense of another in this class. Enjoy the class and look for the concepts to be applicable in your daily life and I think you'll be surprised at what you can accomplish this semester

PLAGIARISM, ACADEMIC DISHONESTY, AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

Cheating and plagiarism are unacceptable. Plagiarism is quoting from, paraphrasing, or using specific ideas contained in any published work, e.g. books periodicals, public documents, internet, etc…, or using another person’s ideas without providing an appropriate citation or recognition which credits the author and/or origin of the work or idea, and presenting them as if they are your own. Academic dishonesty can refer to a range of inappropriate and unethical behaviours including but not limited to cheating on exams, falsification of sources, and so on. As in other courses at the University, students in this class are expected to do their own work and conduct themselves in a fair, honest, and ethical manner. Those who plagiarize or engage in academic dishonesty of any kind may minimally expect to fail the assignment at hand and perhaps the entire course. In addition, instances of academic dishonesty and plagiarism may be dealt with through proper University channels for investigation and disciplinary action.

"Disruptive behaviour" includes but is not limited to talking when someone else has the floor, being rude to other people, destructive (rather than constructive) criticism of another, arriving late repeatedly, sleeping during class, belligerent or aggressive behaviour, and so on. These behaviours have no place in a college classroom. You have a right to maintain your own opinions and to disagree with others, but you must do so in a fashion that is conducive to learning and does not take the form of a personal attack on others. Minimally, you are expected to treat your classmates and your professor in a respectful fashion and they will return the favour. Any behaviour that obstructs or disrupts the classroom teaching and learning environment will be addressed. Serious or repeated breaches in appropriate behaviour may result in a reduction of your final grade in the course and may be referred to additional University authorities.

A+ 96 - 100%   

A 90 – 95   

A- 80 – 89

B+ 77 – 79

B 74 – 76

B- 70 – 73 

C+ 67 – 69

C 64 – 66

C- 60 - 63

D 50 – 59

F 0 – 49

Remember an "A" denotes exceptional work. All assignments and policies indicated above and below must be completed and/or carried out in a satisfactory manner in order to receive a passing grade in this class. . To calculate your grade in the course as we go along, simply calculate the percentage of points you have earned from the total thus far in the class.

Chapters denote readings to be completed prior to each week. It is imperative that you read the chapter before coming to class so that you will have a basic foundation of the topic in class discussions and activities.

Topic: Interactionist School continued

Reading: Chapter 7

Presentations on Goffman and Schur

Reflection report due on Control Theories

NOTE: The professor reserves the right to change the course syllabus. The students will be given sufficient advanced notice of any changes should they arise.

Revised: September 08, 2003 .