Welcome to Criminology!
(Soc/AdmJ 012)
Dr. Eric Silver
T/Th 4:15-5:30pm
111 Wartik
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Course Objectives
• How do criminologists study crime?
• What are some basic facts about crime?
• What are the major theories of crime?
• Prepare students for advanced courses in
criminology and sociology
Course Layout
• Part 1: Foundations for Criminology
• Part II: Micro-Level Theories of Crime
• Part III: Macro-Level Theories of Crime
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Nuts and Bolts
• Required Texts:
– Crime & Criminality by Hunter & Dantzker (2001)
– Code of the Streets by Elijah Anderson (1999).
• Class Participation:
– Current events
– Class discussion
– Information related to class topics
• Attendance will be taken daily:
– Deduct 1% for every absence over 3
– Contact your TA about excuses
– Don’t be late!!
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Course Web Site
• www. personal.psu.edu/faculty/e/x/exs44/012/
– Instructor & TA contact information
– Updated syllabus information
– Lecture overheads
– Course policies and assignments
– About instructor
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More Nuts and Bolts
• Three exams (no cumulative final)
– 50-100 multiple choice & true/false questions
– Lecture & reading
– No make-ups
• Writing assignments
– 2-3 page essays related to reading
• Office visits
– By appointment (email works best)
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Grading
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Exams = 90%
Writing assignments = 10%
Attendance: deduct 1% point for each > 3
Class participation – fudge room
Extra credit points - TBA
Getting to Know You
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