criminology— sociology441（犯罪学- sociology441）.docVIP

Criminology, Sociology 441 Summer, 2009 M-R 2:00 – 3:15? 4308 (until July 13) and (starting July 13) 6116 Sewell Social Science Building 3 Credits Instructor: Nicole Kaufman Office: 8142 Sewell Social Science Bldg. Phone: (608) 262-7315 Email: nkaufman@ Office Hours: 3:30-4:30, Wednesday and Thursday Course Description We will explore six principal questions together in this course. What social factors influence the definition of crimes? Even within American society, the same behavior is regarded at times as permissible and at other times troubling, depending on the actor, social context, and historical period. We will discuss the social construction of criminality and the application of labels to behavior and deviant individuals. What are the functions of crime? Why do some theorists argue that crime is necessary for the flourishing of a society? Why do others see crime as an excuse for oppression of less powerful groups by law-makers? How can we study crime? Are criminology and the sociology of crime and deviance scientific? We will cover the basic methodological tools for evaluating studies and explanations of crime. How common is crime? And how would we know? What explains crime? Does responsibility for committing crimes fall entirely on individual perpetrators? How important are group dynamics? What policies or processes do criminologists believe encourage safe interactions, homes or communities? Whose responsibility is policing? What contribution do the design and the use of public space have on crime and safety? What holds us back from perfect social order? Course Objectives First, we will cover a substantive knowledg