CCJ 3014-0003: CRIME IN AMERICA
Spring, 2003
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Robert M. Bohm
OFFICE: Room 362, HPA PHONE: 823-5944
EMAIL ADDRESS: rbohm@mail.ucf.edu
OFFICE HOURS: TR, 1215-1250; 1420-1550; 1720-1745 or by appt.
CLASS MEETINGS: TR, 1300-1415, HPA 112
REQUIRED TEXT:
Bohm, Robert M. (2001) A Primer on Crime and Delinquency Theory, Second Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
PRIMARY COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To be able to explain criminal or delinquent behavior from the perspective of each of the theories discussed.
2. To be able to identify the policy implications of each theory.
3. To be able to identify the problems with each theory.
4. To be able to evaluate the theories in relation to each other.
5. To be able to apply the theories to the assessment of current crime problems.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Read and study each assigned topic prior to class. Ask any questions about the readings during class. Also be prepared to answer the study questions at the end of each chapter for each assigned topic during class.
2. Satisfactory performance on four examinations. Dates of the exams are: Exam #1 = January 23; Exam #2 = February 18; Exam #3 = March 27; Exam #4 = April 24 (at 1300). A review will be held during the class period before each exam. Exams will include multiple-choice and true-false items. Sample exam items are attached to the syllabus. Grades for each exam, as well as the final grade, will be based on a standard scale (A = 90-100%; B = 80-89%; C = 70-79%; D = 60-69%; F = below 60%). Percentages for each exam will be totaled and averaged to produce the final grade. Make-up exams are given in only exceptional circumstances (e.g., commitment to a hospital), otherwise missed exams are recorded as zeros.
COURSE OUTLINE:
|
DATE |
TOPIC |
CHAPTER/PG #s
|
|
1/7 |
Introduction |
None |
|
1/9 |
An Introduction to Theory |
Chap. 1, pp. 1-10 |
|
1/14 |
An Introduction to Theory (cont.) |
Chap. 1, pp. 1-10 |
|
1/16 |
Classical and Neoclassical Theory |
Chap. 2, pp. 11-20 |
|
1/21 |
Review |
None |
|
1/23 |
Exam #1 |
None |
|
1/28 |
Positivist Theories |
Chap. 3, pp. 21-28 |
|
1/30 |
Biological Theories |
Chap. 4, pp. 29-43 |
|
2/4 |
Biological Theories (cont.) |
Chap. 4, pp. 29-43 |
|
2/6 |
Psychological Theories |
Chap. 5, pp. 45-64 |
|
2/11 |
Psychological Theories (cont.) |
Chap. 5, pp. 45-64 |
|
2/13 |
Review |
None |
|
2/18 |
Exam #2 |
None |
|
2/20 |
The Contributions of Durkheim |
Chap. 6, pp. 65-67 |
|
2/25 |
The Theory of the Chicago School |
Chap. 6, pp. 67-73 |
|
2/27 |
Functionalism and Anomie or Strain Theory |
Chap. 6, pp. 74-82 |
|
3/4 |
Learning Theories |
Chap. 6, pp. 82-90 |
|
3/6 |
ACJS |
TBA |
|
3/11 |
Social Control Theories |
Chap. 6, pp. 90-94 |
|
3/13 |
Review |
None |
|
3/18 |
Spring Break |
No Class |
|
3/20 |
Spring Break |
No Class |
|
3/25 |
Exam #3 |
None |
|
3/27 |
Critical Theories/ Interactionism and Labeling Theory |
Chap. 7, pp. 103-109 |
|
4/1 |
Conflict Theory |
Chap. 7, pp. 109-113 |
|
4/3 |
Radical Theory |
Chap. 7, pp. 113-119 |
|
4/8 |
Other Critical Theories |
Chap. 7, pp. 119-123 |
|
4/10 |
Other Critical Theories |
Chap. 7, pp. 123-126 |
|
4/15 |
Conclusion: Integrated Theories and Beyond |
Chap. 8, pp. 133-140
|
|
4/17 |
Review |
None |
|
4/24 @ 1300 |
Exam #4 |
None |
All UCF students have the responsibility to be familiar with and to observe the requirements of the Rules of Conduct described in The Golden Rule: A Handbook for Students which may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Students, Administration Bldg., Suite 282.