| SOC 322 Introduction to Criminology Dr. Ernie Thomson [email protected] 909-593-3511 x4476 Hoover 109 COURSE DESCRIPTION Criminology has traditionally been concerned with explaining crime as a type of behavior that is assumed to be fundamentally different from non-criminal behavior, and with explaining how �criminals� are fundamentally different from the rest of us. Most contemporary criminologists long ago abandoned this simplistic view for a sociological approach that views crime and criminality as relative and problematic social phenomena. The result of this has been an uneasy mix in criminology between continuing efforts to �explain criminal behavior� (we will look at this aspect of criminology by examining traditional and contemporary theories) and efforts to understand the social and political contexts of crime, criminalization, and "criminal justice" (we will examine this aspect of criminology through the use of a historical and sociological analysis of crime and crime policies). ** Use of Internet material will be a required part of the course. If you need help with this please let me know. ** Information from assigned Internet sites will be covered on exams. COURSE MATERIAL Crime and the American Dream (Messner & Rosenfeld, 4th edition) -- ULV Bookstore or online Corporate Predators (Mokhiber & Weissman) -- ULV Bookstore or online Internet assignments can be accessed through the class webpage at: http://erniethomson.com EXAMS AND GRADING INFORMATION There will be 3 one-hour exams during the semester - each will count 1/4 of the course grade. A required term paper and attendance/participation will count for 1/4 of the overall course grade. Each exam covers only material assigned/discussed since the previous exam (exams are not comprehensive). Exams usually include a combination of multiple choice, true/false, matching, and short answer items. There are no "extra credit" projects for this class OFFICE HOURS Office hours will be updated on my office door each semester. Appointments are available at other times - email is the best way to make appointments. Please feel free to drop by my office anytime I am there. My email and office phone number are at the top of this page and on my home page. If you need to contact me for any reason, please email me. I will get back to you as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours). Please do not hesitate to contact me for any reason and as often as needed. ATTENDANCE POLICY Regular attendance is crucial to your getting the most benefit from the class and to your course grade. You should plan to attend all class meetings, arrive on time, and stay for the whole meeting. Excessive absences lead to lower test scores and lower course grades |
 |
 |