Aylward, Carol. A., (1999), Canadian Critical Race Theory: Racism and the Law, Fernwood: Halifax

Holdaway, Simon and Paul Rock, eds., (1998), Thinking About Criminology, University of Toronto Press: Toronto

Naffine, Ngaire, (1997), Feminism and Criminology, Temple University Press: Philadelphia

Theory reflection reports (3 submissions 25 points each) 75,  approx. 27%

Question on theories for debates (3 submissions – 10 points each) 30, approx. 11%

Debate project (50 debate & 50 report) 100, approx. 36%

Class participation (3 points per class x 12 classes) 36, approx. 13%

Attendance (3 points per class x 12 classes) 36,  approx. 13%

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TOTAL 277 Final grade pro-rated to 100%

The written work for this class is composed of various submissions. The following applies to all written submissions:

Various theories will be covered this semester, some receiving more coverage than others. You will be required to write 3 reflection reports describing your thoughts on the theory and theorist(s). Questions will be assigned in class and online which you will be required to address in your reflection reports. These reports can be written in first person. It is expected that you provide comments drawing upon the reading(s), AND the debate AND subsequent class discussion, AND additional academic sources providing appropriate referencing. Word length: approximately 1500..

Associated with each theory to be explored in this course are assigned readings and then a debate. Each student will be required to submit to me 2 copies of at least 2 questions that pertain to the theory under exploration. Each question must provide a rational (reason) for asking the question. The material from which to base the questions are the readings but may pertain to issues only slightly addressed by the reading. (The members of the debating teams do not supply questions for their own theory to be debated). These questions are meant to provide either side of the debating teams with additional material from which to derive arguments for/against their position. On the day of the debate, the debate moderators will choose several of these questions to be asked of the debating teams, questions which will be posed by the author of the question. These questions are due one week prior to the debate.

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 3 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 class, 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- 85 – 89

B+ 80 – 84

B 75 – 79

B- 70 – 74 

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.

COURSE OUTLINE

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

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.