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
Information
Think/React
In-depth thought
METHOD
Lecture, reading
Class Discussion
Writing
ASSESSMENT
Tests
Participation
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 You
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10.
Class year?
Major?
Male or female?
From lower, middle, or
upper class family?
Ever been arrested?
Ever been convicted?
Pro death penalty?
Ever shoplifted?
Ever trade sex for
money?
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)?