Welcome to Advanced Criminology (Soc/AdmJ 497)

Dr. Eric Silver

T/Th 2:30-3:45pm

108 Sackett

Core Questions• Why do some people commit crimes,

while others do not?

• Why do some places have higher crime rates, while others do not?

• Different theories provide different answers to these questions and have different policy implications

Course Layout

• PART 1: Overview of criminology

• PART 2: Theories that focus on individuals

• PART 3: Theories that focus on society

Learning

GOAL METHOD ASSESSMENT

Information Lecture, reading Tests

Think/React Class Discussion Participation

In-depth thought Writing Term paper

Effort Show up Attendance

What to Expect• Attendance will be taken on most days

– Two freebees– Don’t be late

• Combine lecture & discussion– Participation credit

Grading• Exams

– 75% (multiple choice, T/F, short answer)

• Term paper – apply theories– 25%

• Attendance– Minus 1% point for each absence after 2nd

• Class participation– Fudge room for grades on the borderline

Course Web Site

• Updated schedule of topics & readings

• Lecture overheads

• Announcements

• Instructor contact information

Getting to Know You1. Class year?2. Major?3. Male or female?4. From lower, middle, or

upper class family?5. Ever been arrested?6. Ever been convicted?7. Pro death penalty?8. Ever shoplifted?9. Ever trade sex for money?10. Smoked pot in past 6

month?

11. Ever sold an illegal drug?12. Ever pass out from drugs or

alcohol?13. Ever stole from a

roommate?14. Ever had a

homosexual/lesbian encounter?

15. Do you smoke cigarettes?16. Ever cheated on a test?17. Do you have a tattoo?18. Do have pierced body part

(other than ears)?