LEJA 3573 – Spring 2017 “THEORIES OF CRIME” STIPES 231 Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 9:00 a.m. 9:50 a.m. INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION: Instructor: Dr. Vladimir Sergevnin Associate Professor, Director of the Center for Applied Criminal Justice, http://www.wiu.edu/users/cacj/ Editor of the Law Enforcement Executive Forum Journal, http://www.iletsbei.com/lee_forum/ Editor of the Western Journal of Criminal Justice http://www.wiu.edu/users/cacj/research/journal.html Office location: 403L Stipes Hall Office hours: 11.00 a.m. 12.30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and by appointment Email: VASergevnin@wiu.edu Office Phone: 309 298 2276 COURSE CONTENT: This is LEJA 357, an interdisciplinary overview of criminological theories with an emphasis on the causes of crime, the etiology of criminal offenses and offenders, and how each affects evidencebased policy, research, and regulations in the field of criminal justice. LEJA majors must earn a grade of C or better in this course. Prerequisites: LEJA 101 with a grade of C or better, and junior standing; or permission of the instructor. COURSE OBJECTIVES: 1. Explain what is meant by the term criminology. 2. Identify the difference between crime and deviance. 3. Recognize what is meant by the concept of “criminology in action”. 4. Discuss the three most prominent views of the meaning of “crime”. 5. Compare and contrast the most widely used forms of crime data collection. 6. Articulate the problems associated with collecting the official crime data. 7. Identify recent trends in the crime rate. 8. Discuss the greatest problems faced by crime victims. 9. Clarify the term cycle of violence. 10. Analyze the victim’s role in the crime process. 11. Assess the ecology of victimization risks. Describe the development of rational choice theory. 12. Discuss the most important concepts of rational choice theory. 13. Analyze the process in which offenders structure criminality. 14. Depict in your own words how criminals structure crime. Understand the development of trait theory. 15. Differentiate between the biochemical conditions that produce crime. 16. Clarify the neurophysiological conditions associated with crime. Discuss the history of sociological criminology. 17. Clarify the association between social structure and crime. 18. Identify examples of the elements of social disorganization theory. 19. Analyze the associations among socialization, social process, and crime. 20. Assess the effect of families and education on crime. 21. Discuss the link between peers and delinquency. Define the concept of social conflict and how it shapes behavior. 22. Discuss the history of critical theory and its roots in Marxist thought. 23. List the core ideas of critical criminology. 24. Discuss the history of developmental theory. 25. Compare and contrast life course, latent trait, and trajectory theories. 26. List the principles of the life course theory. 27. Differentiate among the various causes of violent crime. 28. Articulate the stages in Athens’s violentization process. 29. Discuss the history of rape and the different types of rape and rapists. 30. Define the term political crime. 31. Assess the cause of political crime. 32. Compare and contrast the terms espionage and treason. 33. List the components of state political crime. 34. Debate the use and misuse of torture. 35. Discuss the history of theft offenses. 36. Compare and contrast professional and amateur thieves. 37. Describe the activities of a professional fence. 38. Differentiate between petty and grand larceny. 39. Describe what is meant by the term enterprise crime. 40. Define whitecollar crime. 41. Compare and contrast the various forms of whitecollar crime. 42. Discuss efforts to control whitecollar crime. 43. Discuss the evolution of cybercrime. 44. Compare and contrast cybertheft, cybervandalism, and cyberwar. 45. List examples of computer fraud. 46. Assess how the Internet can facilitate the sale of illegal materials. 47. Define the concept of criminal justice. 48. Discuss the long history of crime in America. 49. Explain the formation of the criminal justice system. 50. Compare and contrast the different levels of law enforcement. 51. Describe the different elements of the police role in deterring and preventing crime. 52. Explain the essence of the Miranda v. Arizona decision. 53. Cite examples of when the police can search without a warrant. 54. Discuss the history of sentencing and punishment. 55. Compare and contrast the various goals of sentencing. 56. Classify the various types of sentencing structures. 57. Articulate how people are sentenced and the problems of disparity in sentencing. 58. Describe the nature of capital punishment in the United States. COURSE MATERIALS: The following book may be helpful or provide additional information but its purchase is at the student’s discretion (recommended but not required text): Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition 2016. ISBN10: 1305261097 | ISBN13: 9781305261099 Do you need to buy the book? Class notes and handouts will be provided during the semester. Exams will be on lecture material. Reading materials will be distributed electronically throughout the semester, including some accessible via the syllabus.Note: The syllabus is subject to change at the instructor's discretion. Students will be informed if any major modifications to the syllabus are made. METHODOLOGY: A number of teaching tools will be used to convey information in the course, including: lectures, guest lectures, written assignments, class participation (questions/answers, scenarios, fact patterns, presentations), tests, and electronic media (internet, videos). ATTENDANCE: Active class participation is strongly encouraged. Class participation/attendance is worth 100 points (10% of grade). In accordance with Western Illinois University policy, attendance is mandatory. As such, the instructor will take a daily roll. Students having more than 1 (one) unexcused absences will have 50 (fifty) points (per subsequent unexcused absence) deducted from their grade. The instructor will determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused. Unexcused tardiness or leaving class early without justifiable cause will be noted as an unexcused absence. Cell Phones: Cellular phones and other communicative devices are disruptive to class. Students are directed to turn off cell phones, and refrain from texting. In the event that a student must be on call because of a professional responsibility or have family issues that require immediate response, please inform the instructor before each class, and accommodations can be made to put the cell phone on vibrate. There is no reason for a student to wear earphones in class. So, if the instructor sees a student with earphones they will be asked to leave class. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 1) Examinations: There will be two exams (March 10, April 21) consisting of 50 true/false and/or multiplechoice questions. No makeup examinations are permitted except under extraordinary circumstances, subject to instructor’s approval (600 points; 60% of grade). 2) Written assignments 1 and 2. Each student will select a research topic by January 23, 2017. There will be ONE topic per student. Students are responsible to select a specific topic from the list of topics provided by instructor. Student’s research will be resulted in: 1) literature review: written assignment N 1 (presentation # 1); 2) and thesis defense: written assignment N 2 (presentation # 2). For all late selection of topics 50 points penalty will be assigned. A) Assignment 1. Thesis literature review (presentation # 1): From January 25 through April 21 students will present in class literature review on chosen topic (minimum 5 sources review, no less than 5 slides with written notes). Each student should expect the presentation to last about 10 minutes, after which, he/she will be asked questions. Literature review (presentation # 1) is worth 100 points (10% of a grade). Each of 5 slides should have the following structure: a) Title, author(s) name, source; b) Main argument(s); c) Article’s summary. Template/example: In the Main body of a slide you should place: Title: Race and Context in the Criminal Labeling of Drunk Driving Offenders: A Multilevel Examination of Extralegal Variables on Discretionary Plea Decisions. Author(s) name: Rousseau, Danielle M.; Pezzullo, Gerald P. Source: Criminal Justice Policy Review. November 2014, Volume 25, Issue 6, pages 683702. Main argument(s): Measures of police racial profiling are predictive of unfavorable plea outcomes
Why this topic is important?

We also discuss several other topics like What are the types of feasible regions?
Likelihood of receiving an unfavorable criminal plea bargain was greater for men No more than 20 words
Under the main body of a slide in “add notes section” you should place written notes: Article’s summary: Results confirm posited disparate treatment and present the influence of important contextual factors on court outcomes. The results clearly show the strength race, gender, and criminal history play in the plea distribution outcomes, but of more interest to our present inquiry is that the data provides support for our hypothesis showing that high levels of police stop disparity increase the odds that nonWhite defendants will receive a criminal plea, net of other relevant factors. The goal of this research was to encourage provocative questions about existing practices. This article has suggested that the level of concentrated disadvantage and the extent to which a police agency engages in racial profiling predicts disparate court outcomes, especially for nonWhite defendants. The influence of the gatekeepers reaches far beyond decisions of whom to stop and arrest. The inextricable bond of race and crime, and the infusion of both into fear reinforce criminal stereotypes at all levels of society, but its effects are most damaging when a perceived threat of increased heterogeneity results in actions that directly or indirectly influence the creation and maintenance of a criminal construct. No less than 200 words
What are some existing solutions?

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B) Assignment 2. Thesis defense (presentation # 2): Power point presentation # 2 should be based on the literature review and additional research; no less than 8 slides with written notes; presentation # 2 is worth 100 points (20% of a grade). Each student should expect the presentation to last about 8 minutes, after which, he/she will be asked questions. At that time your presentation will be evaluated by all fellow classmates using the accompanying evaluation guide. Presentation # 2 structure: Slide # 1. Title, student’s name. Slide # 2. Why this topic is important? Try to take a narrow focus; attempt a new approach/look at existing problem and try to think of new solutions. Attempt to think “outofthebox” regarding problems and solutions. This feature, among others, will distinguish the research papers that “further the cause of the discipline” from those that—while helpful—advance the analysis to a lesser degree. Slide # 2. Objective(s). Slide # 3. What are some existing solutions? Slide # 3. What are some new solutions? Slide # 4. Main Point/Argument A: a) argument statement; b) proof use specific, relevant supporting materials. Writing should be more analytical than descriptive. Think proactively and collaterally. Attempt to use of new approaches. Highlight and propose new solutions. Slide # 5. Main Point/Argument B: a) argument statement; b) proof use specific, relevant supporting materials. Writing should be more analytical than descriptive. Think proactively and collaterally. Attempt to use of new approaches. Highlight and propose new solutions. Slide # 6. Main Point/Argument C, etc.: a) argument statement; b) proof use specific, relevant supporting materials. Writing should be more analytical than descriptive. Think proactively and collaterally. Attempt to use of new approaches. Highlight and propose new solutions. Slide # 7. Conclusion/summary/ Slide # 8. Bibliography. Under the main body of each slide in “add notes section” you should place written notes with no less than 200 words! A final draft of the written assignment N 2 as power point presentation # 2 is due April 21st. Presentation # 2 should be submitted as an email attachment. No extensions! Makeup assignments are discouraged and will be given ONLY based upon documented evidence of illness or crisis. Grades of "incomplete" are also discouraged and will only be given in cases of emergency or illness and will require documented evidence of such reasons. Not participating in the course, enrolling late in the course, not understanding the technology used in the course, computer or internet issues, and forgetting to turn in assignments are not considered crises and will not be used as reasons for the instructor to provide makeup work, assignment extensions or incompletes to a student. It is the student's responsibility to complete all assignments during the times provided. Student Rights, Responsibilities and Code of Conduct: Please see http://www.wiu.edu/provost/student; http://sjp.wiu.edu/CodeOfConduct/index.asp Academic Dishonesty: Instructor will refer any finding of academic dishonesty to university administrative officials for disposition. Americans with Disability Act: Americans with Disability Act: Students with disabilities: In accordance with University values and disability law, students with disabilities may request academic accommodations where there are aspects of a course that result in barriers to inclusion or accurate assessment of achievement. To file an official request for disabilityrelated accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 3092982512, disability@wiu.edu or in 143 Memorial Hall. Please notify the instructor as soon as possible to ensure that this course is accessible to you in a timely manner. “In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an accommodation. For the instructor to provide the proper accommodation(s) you must obtain documentation of the need for an accommodation through Disability Resource Center (DRC) and provide it to the instructor. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to the instructor's attention, as he/she is not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 2982512 for additional services.” 9. Grade summary: 2 tests (300 points each) = 600 points total Presentation #1 = 100 points total Presentation #2 = 100 points total Attendance/participation = 100 points total Final exam = 100 points total TOTAL: 1,000 points maximum, or 100% 10. Final Grade: The final grade will be determined according to the following scale: Letter Grade A 9501,000 points, or 95100% Letter Grade A – 900949 points, or 9094.9% Letter Grade B + 866899 points, or 86.689.9% Letter Grade B 833865 points, or 83.386.5% Letter Grade B 800832 points, or 80.083.2% Letter Grade C + 766799 points, or 76.679.9% Letter Grade C 733765 points, or 73.376.5% Letter Grade C 700732 points, or 7073.2% Letter Grade D + 666699 points, or 66.669.9% Letter Grade D 633665 points, or 63.366.5% Letter Grade D 600632 points, or 6063.2% Letter Grade F: < 600 points, or less than 60% Failure to take any examination, turn in the presentation, or excessive absences may result in the student earning a Letter Grade F. Extra credit. Students have unlimited opportunities to turn in extra credit written work! Any extra credit review should be forwarded to: VASergevnin@wiu.edu(Absolute deadline for submission is May 1, 2017) Extra credit can be used to improve a grade on any assignment in the course or to boost your overall grade for the course. The following options are available for you to earn extra credit. Extra credit assignments are worth 5 to 10 points each. All extra credit assignments are to be clearly marked as extra credit and typeddoublespaced. 1) 5 points: You may attend a university sponsored lecture which is directed toward building social awareness of an issue (i.e., criminal justice administration and management, diversity, professionalism, criminal justice ethics, sexism, racism, social control, etc.). A 1 page (double spaced) reaction paper that briefly outlines the event and includes your thoughts about the material presented as it relates to this course is required to fulfill the assignment. 2) 10 points: You may review a research journal article (peer reviewed) related to criminal justice administration. Your review should be 2 pages (double spaced) long and you should evaluate the content of the article by using course material (both lecture and readings). 1) 5 points: You may review a newspaper article related to criminal justice administration and evaluate it based on class material. Your review should be 1 page long (double spaced). Note: The syllabus is subject to change at the instructor's discretion. Students will be informed if any major modifications to the syllabus are made. OUTLINE AND SCHEDULE OF THE COURSE:
Dates
Chapter/Topic/Objective s
Materials and Data
January 18&20
Introduction & Chapter 1. CRIME AND CRIMINOLOGY Critical Issue: Why we are so punitive?
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 1 – handoutsreadings: Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 1. FBI: Key Crime & Justice Facts at a Glance: http://www.nij.gov
January 20
Deadline for the research topic
Choose one topic from attached list and mark a date.
January 23,25,27
Chapter 2. THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF CRIME
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 2 – handoutsreadings: Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 2. “National IncidentBased Reporting Systems” http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=dcdetail&iid=301 “National Youth Gang Survey” http://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/surveyanalysis
January 30, February 1,3
Chapter 3. VICTIMS AND VICTIMIZATION
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 3 handoutsreadings Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 3. Review the yeartoyear changes in victimization at the Bureau of Justice Statistics: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/index.cfm? ty=pbdetail&iid=2217 Have students read the special report article entitled, "Stalking Victimization in the United States" from the Bureau of Justice Statistics at: https://www.victimsofcrime.org/docs/src/baumk catalanosrandmrosek2009.pdf?sfvrsn=0 and have them research their states' laws against stalking, and alternatives for stalking victims.
What are some new solutions?

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February 6,8,10
Chapter 4. RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 4 handoutsreadings Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 4.
February 13
No classes and office hours
Lincoln’s Birthday – No classes
February 15,17
Chapter 5. TRAIT THEORIES
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 5 handoutsreadings: Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 5. Read more about the Minnesota Twin Family Study (University of Minnesota): http://mctfr.psych.umn.edu/index.html “Psychopaths and Sociopaths” http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/kimes/1. html Visit the Psychology Today article on psychopaths and sociopaths. Read about the crimes of Sante and Kenneth Kimes.
February 20,22,24
Chapter 6. SOCIAL STRUCTURE THEORIES Chapter 7. SOCIAL PROCESS THEORIES: SOCIALIZATION AND SOCIETY
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 6&7 handoutsreadings: Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 6&7. “Marriage and Divorce Rate” http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/mardiv.htm Read national data on marriage and divorce rates at the Center for Disease and Control. “A Labeling Experiment” http://www.gsssi.com/server/es_sample.html Introduce the students to the "Eye Color" study done by Jane Elliott
February 27, March 1, 3
Chapter 8. CRITICAL CRIMINOLOGY AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE Chapter 9. DEVELOPMENTAL THEORIES: LIFE COURSE, LATENT TRAIT, AND TRAJECTORY
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 8&9 handoutsreadings: Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 8&9. “Sentencing Trends” http://www.ussc.gov/ Log onto the U.S. Sentencing Commission site and review information on sentencing offenders in the United States. “Promising Practices in Restorative Justice” http://nij.gov/topics/courts/restorativejustice/promising practices/Pages/welcome.aspx Visit the website and review the information on restorative justice programs. “Creating a Workforce Development Culture To Reduce Reincarceration” http://community.nicic.gov/blogs/offender_employment/archive/2 009/11/09/creatingaworkforcedevelopmentculturetoreduce reincarceration.aspx Read about an approach by corrections personnel to stabilize offender propensity for crime.
March 6,8,10
Chapter 10. INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 10 handoutsreadings: Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 10.
March 10
Test 1: Chapters 1 – 9
Study guide
March 13 17
Spring break.
No classes
March
Chapter 11. POLITICAL
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 11 handoutsreadings:
We also discuss several other topics like What happens to overapplied and underapplied overhead?
20,22, 24
CRIME AND TERRORISM.
Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 11. “National Terrorism Advisory System” http://www.dhs.gov/blog/2011/04/20/newnationalterrorism advisorysystem Log onto the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website and read information regarding the National Terrorism Advisory System.
March 27,29, 31
Chapter 12. PROPERTY CRIMES. Chapter 13. ENTERPRISE CRIME: WHITECOLLAR, GREEN AND TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 12&13 handoutsreadings: Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 12&13. “Cargo Cats ” http://www.cargocats.us/ Log on to the L.A. County Sheriff's department 'Cargo Cats' apprehension task force and read about the investigation and arrest of criminals involved in cargo theft. “Bernie Madoff” http://abcnews.go.com/US/berniemadoffinterviewinside barbarawalters%20exclusive/story?id=14826360 Log on to ABC News and watch videos describing a Barbara Walters interview with Bernie Madoff from prison.
April 3,5,7
Chapter 14. PUBLIC ORDER CRIME: SEX AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE Chapter 15. CRIMES OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM: CYBERCRIME
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 14&15 handoutsreadings: Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 14&15. “Identity Fraud” http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2004/october/uncoveridt_101504 Log on to the FBI website and read an article entitled, “No Ordinary Case of Identity Theft The Largest in U.S. History" “Stopping Cyberbullying” http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/ Visit the website and read about cyberbullying.
April 10,12,14
Chapter 16. CRIMINAL JUSTICE: PROCESS AND PERSPECTIVES Chapter 17. POLICE AND THE COURTS: INVESTIGATION, ARREST, AND ADJUDICATION
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 16&17 handoutsreadings: Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 16&17. “Criminal Justice Flow Chart” http://www.bjs.gov/content/largechart.cfm Visit the Bureau of Justice website and review the criminal justice system flow chart. “History of Law Enforcement” http://www.policeguide.com/Timeline_of_American_Police/timeli ne_of_american_police.html
April 17,19,21
Chapter 18. PUNISHMENT AND CORRECTION
Power Point Presentation – Chapter 18 handoutsreadings: Larry J. Siegel (2016) Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, 12th Edition. Chapter 18. “Who is on Death Row?” http://crime.about.com/od/deathrow/Death_Row_Inmates_Past_an d_Current.htm Visit the website and view who is currently on death row.
April 21
Test 2.
Study guide
April 24,26,28
Thesis defense
May 1,3,5
Thesis defense
We also discuss several other topics like What are the functions of the skeletal system?
Don't forget about the age old question of What is the output process of the computer?
May 10 8 a.m.
Final exam
*Students with special needs should contact the instructor during the first week of classes for accommodations. *The instructor will make every effort to follow the syllabus as printed. However, reasons beyond the instructor's control may occur and cause some deviation from the printed syllabus. The syllabus may be subject to change without prior notice. *Please remember that I am available for discussion throughout this course. Any issues or concerns that may arise should be brought to my attention promptly. *Please email me at anytime to discuss this course or any other issue that may arise! Online resources: http://www.albany.edu/sourcebook/ http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/NACJD/home.html http://www.search.org/ http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~dreveskr/SCJRS.htmlssi http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/search/AdvancedSearch.aspx http://www.jrsainfo.org/ http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/ http://trac.syr.edu/tracfbi/ http://www.ncja.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home http://www.rand.org/research_areas/civil_justice/ http://www.socsciresearch.com/ http://www.cjcj.org/ http://www.heritage.org/LeadershipForAmerica/RuleofLaw.cfm http://www.bop.gov/ http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/prisons.htm http://www.idoc.state.il.us/ http://www.soros.org/crime http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~dreveskr/ccjr.htmlssi http://www.uscourts.gov/library/fpcontents.html http://www.jpp.org/ http://www.aja.org/ http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/browse_JJ_C346 http://www.womenandprison.org/?gclid=CIeXoKWDy5gCFQxKGgodWTf_1A http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/255/corrections_today.html http://www.aclu.org/prison/gen/14687pub20021118.html http://www.cfcnrcafd.org/text/news.html http://www.iresist.org/prjournals.html