INTRODUCTION TO THEORIES OF CRIME
Law 210:01
Spring 2014
Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00-10:50am
Wilson Hall 170
Dr. Godboldt
Missouri Western State University
Department of Criminal Justice, Legal Studies and Social Work
Contact Information:
sgodboldt@missouriwestern.edu
Office location: Wilson Hall 203F
Office phone: (816) 271-4219
Office Hours:
Monday & Wednesday: 11:00 – Noon
Tuesday: 9:00 – 11:00
Friday: 9:00 – 10:00
Moodle: This course will utilize “Moodle”. Course information, documents, and assignments will be
available in the Moodle site. All grades will be recorded via the online grade book in Moodle, which
means if I have graded it – it is in Moodle. You will be able to see exactly where your grade stands at
all times in this course. Also, helpful tips for writing assignments will be available through Moodle.
Check Moodle regularly, especially if you have missed a class.
Required Textbook: Tibbetts, Stephen G. & Craig Hemmens (2010). “Criminological Theory: A
Text/Reader.” Sage Pub. [ISBN 13:9781412950374]
Course Overview:
This course provides an introduction to the study of crime and causation of crime from the
interdisciplinary perspectives of sociology, psychology, and biology. This course is primarily concerned
with understanding the causes of crime and will examine some of the most influential explanations for
criminal behavior. Various crime categories will be examined as well as the major individual-level
(e.g., biosocial variables), situational (e.g., peer influences, formal and informal control mechanisms)
and macro-level (e.g., economic deprivation, family disruption) correlates of criminal behavior.
Course Objectives:
1. To understand the use of the scientific method in the construction of theory. Students should
develop skills to critique theories from a scientific perspective.
2. To understand social, historical, and political background as related to the emergence, popularity,
and rejection of theories. Students will be expected to analyze theories in light of these factors.
3. To understand in what ways contemporary theories are being employed within the criminal justice
system. The class will focus on the implications of various theories for policy development.
4. To understand that criminological theory has included both competing perspectives and integrated
models. Students will assess the utility of each approach.
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Course Requirements
Examinations: 300 points (100 points each)
Students will complete 3 exams throughout the semester. Each exam will be worth 100 points and will
contain a variety of multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions designed to assess the
critical thinking skills of the students. Exams will be administered in class. A review sheet will be
provided prior to each exam to assist the students in studying for the exam. Exams are not group
projects and any evidence of cheating on an exam will result in FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE COURSE!
Attendance on exam dates is mandatory! Make-up exams will only be given in emergency
circumstances (to be determined by the professor) and will consist 100% of essay questions. All makeup exams will be administered at the end of the semester.
Attendance and Class Participation: 50 points
Bottom line: students who attend my classes typically pass my classes. Daily attendance will be taken
in this course. Students will earn up to 50 attendance and participation points in this course.
Attendance alone will not earn the maximum number of points. Participation is defined as being
prepared for class, contributing to class discussions, and being thoughtful in terms of questions asked
and responses given. Talking just for the sake of talking is not considered participation. Participation
points will be calculated at the end of the semester according to the following scale:
50-41 points = excellent participation and attendance
40-31 points = good participation and attendance
30-21 points = average participation and attendance
20-11 points = inadequate participation and attendance
10-0 points = don’t know what you look like or what you sound like
Article Presentation: 50 points
Each student will be responsible for writing an article summary for an assigned reading ONCE
during the semester (worth 50 points). Students will be randomly assigned to an article at the
beginning of the semester. Students will be responsible for typing up a summary of the article and
presenting the article summary in class. Article summaries should include (1) a list of the author’s
major points, (2) the principal types of criminals and crimes this theory best explains, and (3) the
primary weaknesses of their theory. The presenting student is also responsible for asking TWO
discussion questions based on the assigned reading at the end of the presentation. Students in the
class should be familiar with the reading and are expected to participate in a discussion based on the
questions posed. Participating in the class discussion is a nice thing to do (the presenting student will
appreciate it!) and will count towards participation points (as outlined above).
Every student is responsible for the material covered in every article throughout the entire
book; however, this rotating group assignment will allow students to take turns typing up notes for the
assigned articles each week. Students must read the articles and will need to know the information for
the exams! All students are expected to read all the articles in the book, not just the one you are
assigned. Your participation and exam scores will reflect the level of effort you put into this course
each and every week.
The presentations should include a handout for each student and the professor. The handout
should be 1-2 pages. A powerpoint presentation may be used but is not required for this assignment.
The handout will provide your fellow classmates with notes for that particular article. Presentations
should be approximately 10-15 minutes long. Students are encouraged to meet with the professor
prior to the presentation for assistance and/or an explanation of the technical aspects of the article.
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Theory-Based Policy Paper: 100 points
Each student will be responsible for writing a theory-based policy paper. Students will choose one of
the theories covered in this course and will develop a crime prevention/treatment program/policy based
on that theory. Every theory has some flaw but the policies should be developed in a way that fully
supports the theory, warts and all. The purpose of this paper is to assess how well the student
understands a specific theory and how well the student can apply that knowledge to a real world crime
problem. Students must be able to comprehend, analyze, and think critically about the material
presented in class to do well on this paper. More specific details regarding the paper are provided on a
separate instruction document posted on Moodle and will be discussed in class. This paper is worth
100 points and may be turned in from 8:30-10:20am on Monday, May 5th. Papers must follow the APA
citation and referencing guidelines. Helpful links for APA formatting and referencing styles are
available through Moodle. Although this portion of your textbook was not covered in lecture materials
(Section XI: Applying Criminological Theory to Policy), it makes a great starting point for your own
policy development.
Grading Policies:
There are 500 total points available in this course. All points are weighted equally. The point
distribution and letter grade breakdown are provided below.
Exam #1
Exam #2
Exam #3
Theory/Policy Paper
Article Presentation
Participation Points
Total Points Possible
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
50 points
50 points
500 points
There are 500 total points possible in this course. To
calculate your final letter grade, simply follow this formula:
(total points earned ÷ 500) X 100.
Then use this guide to find the corresponding letter grade:
A = 100-90
B = 89-80
C = 79-70
D = 69-60
F = 59 and below
Regarding HELP:
There are multiple sources for assistance both on and off campus for you the student. MWSU provides
the Center for Academic Support (Hearnes 213), Non-Tradition Student Center (Eder 200),
International Student Advisement (Blum 210) Academic Testing Center (Eder 203) and Career Planning
Center (Eder 202/209) for your academic and vocational assistance. Furthermore, MWSU provides
confidential professional counseling at the Counseling Center (203 Eder Hall) free of cost. Along with
these resources, do not forget to make use of your fellow students and faculty members when needed.
Being a successful University Student is not something you have to accomplish alone. If you have any
disability that prevents the fullest expression of your ability to meet the requirements of this course,
please contact me as soon as possible.
Communication and Respect:
The ability to communicate effectively is crucial to the field of criminal justice. Writing skills are
a key part of communication because most professional criminal justice correspondence is through
written reports and assessments. Writing effectively is a skill that must be mastered by all criminal
justice professionals. Therefore, all assignments will be graded in part according to how well the
student communicates his or her ideas through writing. Criminal Justice deals with a diverse group of
people, cultures and behaviors. Students should be able to not only hear those who do not explain
themselves well, but explain themselves to those who do not hear well without being degrading or
abusive.
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Your academic experience here at Missouri Western State University is an excellent opportunity
to practice tolerance and open-mindedness to others. A respectful attitude towards fellow students
and the professor is expected and required in this course. The student code of conduct can be found
in the student manual. Remember, you are expected to conduct yourself as a University Student. If
there is any confusion over what that entails please read the code of conduct or you may ask me. This
includes respectful classroom behavior (no texting, surfing the web, leaving early/arriving late,
obnoxious eating, tobacco use, sleeping, etc.) Remember the vast majority of our communication is
recorded electronically. You are responsible for what you say and hit ‘send’ on.
Academic Honesty:
Dr. Godboldt has a zero tolerance cheating policy! Don’t cheat! Do your own writing! Take your own
exams! Plagiarism, lying, or turning in work that is not your own may result in grade demotion or even
removal from the class or university. Any student that engages in cheating or plagiarism on any
assignment in this course will receive a failing grade for the entire course! Papers bought off the internet
can be really expensive when factoring in such hidden costs as a failing grade or removal from the
institution. Here is the institutional Academic Honesty Policy:
Academic honesty is required in all academic endeavors. Violations of
academic honesty include any instance of plagiarism, cheating, seeking
credit for another’s work, falsifying documents or academic records, or
any other fraudulent activity. Violations of academic honesty may result
in a failing grade on the assignment, failure in the course, or expulsion from
the University. When a student’s grade has been affected, violations of academic
honesty will be reported to the Provost or designated representative.
(MWSU Student Handbook: Academic Policies and Procedures Section pg. 24)
Please see the MWSU Student Handbook for specific activities identified as violations of this
policy and the student due process procedure. This handbook is available online at:
http://www.missouriwestern.edu/handbook/index.pdf
School Cancellation Policy:
Missouri Western State University will close only in extraordinary circumstances. If the University is to
close due to weather/road conditions, the decision will be made as follows:
 Daytime Closing – normally the decision will be made by 6:00 a.m.
 Evening Closing – normally the decision will be made by 4:00 p.m.
Any closing of the University will be broadcast on the following stations: KCMO Radio (710 AM, and
94.9 FM), KKJO Radio (105.5 FM), KFEQ Radio (680 AM), KSJQ Radio (92.7 FM), WDAF Television
(Channel 4), KQ2 Television (Channel 2). If closings are not reported on the aforementioned stations, it
should be assumed the University is open. It should be noted the University Administration will take
several factors into consideration when making the decision to close the University due to
weather/road conditions. Therefore, it cannot be assumed the University will close when area schools
are closed. Notification will also be posted on Missouri Western’s web page.
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Tentative Course Schedule
Week 1: Jan. 13 – 17
 Introduction to the Course and Syllabus
 Introduction to the Book: An Overview of Issues in Criminological Theory
Week 2: Jan. 20 – 24
 Monday – No Class, Martin Luther King Jr. Day!
 Introduction to the Book: An Overview of Issues in Criminological Theory
 Reading #1 (Sherman) presented by Dr. Godboldt
Week 3: Jan. 27 – 31
 Section I: Pre-Classical and Classical Theories of Crime
 Reading #2 (Beccaria) presented by __________
 Reading #3 (Bentham) presented by __________
Week 4: Feb. 3 – 7
 Section II: Modern Applications of the Classical Perspective
 Reading #4 (Sorensen et al.) presented by __________
 Reading #5 (Piquero and Tibbets) presented by __________
 Reading #6 (Sherman et al.) presented by __________
 Reading #7 (LaGrange) presented by __________
 Review for Exam #1
Week 5: Feb. 10 – 14
 Exam #1
 Section III: Early Positive School Perspectives of Criminality
Week 6: Feb. 17 – 21
 Monday – No Class, President’s Day!
 Wednesday and Friday – No Regular Class Session, ACJS Conference!
 Alternative Online Assignment (on Moodle)
Week 7: Feb. 24 – 28
 Section III: Early Positive School Perspectives of Criminality continued
 Reading #8 (Rafter) presented by __________
 Reading #9 (Lombroso) presented by __________
 Reading #10 (Gibson et al.) presented by __________
Week 8: Mar. 3 – 7
 Section IV: Modern Biosocial Perspectives of Criminal Behavior
 Reading #11 (Walters) presented by __________
 Reading #12 (Ellis) presented by __________
 Reading #13 (Bufkin and Luttrell) presented by __________
 Reading #14 (McGloin et al.) presented by __________
Week 9: Mar. 10 – 14
 No Class This Week – Spring Break!
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Week 10: Mar. 17 – 21
 Section V: Early Social Structure and Strain Theories of Crime
 Reading #15 (Merton) presented by __________
 Reading #17 (Messner and Rosenfeld) presented by __________
 Reading #18 (Agnew) presented by __________
 Review for Exam #2
Week 11: Mar. 24 – 28
 Exam #2
 Section VI: Chicago School and Cultural/Subcultural Theories of Crime
Week 12: Mar. 31 – Apr. 4
 Section VI: Chicago School and Cultural/Subcultural Theories of Crime continued
 Reading #19 (Shaw and McKay) presented by __________
 Reading #20 (Lowenkamp et al.) presented by __________
 Reading #21 (Wolfgang and Ferracuti) presented by __________
Reading #22 (Anderson) presented by __________
Week 13: Apr. 7 – 11
 Section VII: Social Process/Learning Theories of Crime
 Reading #23 (Sutherland) presented by __________
 Reading #24 (Akers) presented by __________
 Reading #25 (Piquero et al.) presented by __________
 Reading #26 (May) presented by __________
 Reading #27 (Longshore et al.) presented by __________
Week 14: Apr. 14 – 18
 Section VIII: Social Reaction, Critical, and Feminist Models of Crime
 Reading #28 (Zhang) presented by __________
 Reading #29 (Taylor et al.) presented by __________
 Reading #30 (Chesney-Lind) presented by __________
 Reading #31 (Burgess-Proctor) presented by __________
Week 15: Apr. 21 – 25
 Section IX: Life-Course Perspectives of Criminality
 Reading #32 (Tibbetts and Piquero) presented by __________
 Reading #33 (Piquero et al.) presented by __________
 Semester wrap-up and final discussions regarding criminological theory
 Review for Exam #3
Week 16: Apr. 28
 Exam #3
Theory-Based Policy Paper DUE on Monday, May 5th
 Papers may be turned in to Dr. Godboldt’s office (Wilson 203F) from 8:30-10:20am
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