Department of Sociology
University of Hong Kong
First Semester 2011-2012
SOCI8008 Special Topics in Criminology
White-Collar and Corporate Crime
(Lecture Venue: Rm1121, K.K. Leung Building)
Professor Henry N. Pontell
University of California, Irvine
Course Objectives
This course examines the topic of white-collar and corporate crime. Classic theoretical works
will be considered as well as more contemporary writings. To illustrate these points we will
explore important international case studies that shed light on how and why these offenses occur.
We will begin with a general introduction to the field, including definitions, conceptual, and
theoretical issues from the social sciences, law, and criminology regarding what has become
known as white-collar, occupational, organizational, and corporate crime. Following this, we
will discuss various forms of white-collar crime including: consumer crime, environmental crime,
governmental crime, official corruption, computer crime, health care fraud, and financial fraud.
Students will also have an opportunity to view and discuss two documentary films; The
Corporation, based upon Canadian legal scholar Joel Bakan's book of the same title and The
Smartest Guys in the Room, based upon a Fortune magazine writer's book. Next, we will
consider issues regarding globalization, prevention, enforcement, and sanctioning through group
presentations on various cases and topics. Finally, we will examine the future of white-collar and
corporate criminality from both international and comparative perspectives.
The course will guide students in studying important questions, to critically think about issues, to
research the topics discussed, and to become familiar with the literature on white-collar and
corporate crime, through assigned readings, presentations, class discussion, a writing assignment
and an in-class exam.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course you will be able to:
1) Relate an understanding of white-collar and corporate crime to your daily lives
2) Identify the various kinds of white-collar crimes in society
3) Become better consumers of both products and information
4) Relate social scientific perspectives to white-collar and corporate violations
5) Be better prepared in collective activities and presentations
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Lecture Topics
Class 1 (October 16, 2011, Sunday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm)
Introduction: White-Collar Crime -- What is it?
An Overview of Definitions, Theories and Concepts
1. Rosoff, Pontell and Tillman: Chapter 1: Introduction
Class 2 (October 21, 2011, Friday, 6:45 pm – 9:45 pm)
1. Forms of White-Collar Crime
Consumer Fraud, Unsafe Products, Environmental Crime,
Corporate Fraud
Reading: Rosoff, Pontell and Tillman: Chapters 2, 3, 4 & 7
2. Movie and Discussion
The Smartest Guys in the Room (Enron)
3. Forms of White-Collar Crime (continued)
Institutional Corruption, Securities Fraud, Financial Fraud
Reading: Rosoff, Pontell and Tillman: Chapters 5, 6 and 8
Class 3 (October 22, 2011, Saturday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm)
1. Forms of White-Collar Crime, continued)
Crimes by the Government, Official Corruption, Medical Fraud, Computer
Crime
Reading: Rosoff, Pontell and Tillman: Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12
2. Movie and discussion
The Corporation
Class 4 (October 29, 2011 Saturday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm)
1. Discussion: White-Collar Crime in International and Global Perspective
Reading: Rosoff, Pontell and Tillman: Chapter 12
2. Group Presentations
3. Class Test
Final Papers Due in the Sociology Dept., Monday, November 7, 2011.
Assessment
1) Term paper, 25 %
Selected topics, 8 pages, annotated. Students can discuss potential topics with the
instructor if necessary at class. Papers are expected to use course materials, concepts and
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theories from the lectures and the reading in analyzing a case or specific topic chosen by
the student. Papers will be due in the Sociology Department on November 7th (one
week after class ends).
2) Group presentations, 25 %
The class will be divided into groups that will make formal presentations of 20-30
minutes on topics and cases given out during the first class. The presentations will be on
the last day of class, and will involve global case studies that incorporate relevant
concepts and theories from class.
3) Class Participation and Attendance, 25%
Students are expected to be prepared to discuss readings at each class and to participate in
discussions. Books will be available in the department well before the course begins, so
students should begin reading well in advance of the class and should demonstrate that
they have done this in class when asked by the instructor. Students are also encouraged to
bring in global examples that relate to class topics from outside media sources which will
count toward their participation as well. Examples include newspaper clippings, books,
articles, or pieces from the Internet.
4) In-class test, 25%
Last day of class. Comprehensive essay questions, based upon readings and lectures.
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