CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
DIVISION OF SOCIAL WORK
Social Work 126
Theories of Criminal Behavior
Fall 2008
07:30 – 08:45
Mariposa Hall 1016
Professor D. J. Sekany
Office: Mariposa Hall 5012
Office hours: MW 8-9am; TTH
7-7:30am and 8:45-9:30am
e-mail: DJSekany@CSUS.EDU
916-278-4086
OVERVIEW OF COURSE
Course Description
This class is an advanced study, writing intensive course. You must have passed the writing
proficiency exam (WPE) or you cannot be enrolled.
Theories of criminal behavior analyzes various theories in terms of their logic,
historical origins, and policy implications. It focuses on developing a critical
framework. The course requires active student participation and a great deal of
writing. The course addresses the following issues: (1) THE SCOPE AND
DEFINITION OF CRIME: before investigating the merits of various theories of
crime, we must first understand how crime is defined and prosecuted, as well as
its extent in different forms throughout the society. We will examine the
interrelationship of class, race, and gender with the definition and scope of crime.
(2) THEORIES OF CRIME: we will review the development of major theories of
crime in the 20th and 21st centuries, paying special attention to values and
ideology, which motivate and organize these theories. (3) TOWARDS A THEORY
OF CRIME: based on our critique of theories of crime we will begin to construct
the elements of a plausible theory of crime; included in this will be an examination
of specific types of criminal behavior. (4) IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY:
throughout the class, we will address the policy and program implications of
various theories of crime.
Learning Objectives
A.
Understanding how and why certain types of behavior are defined as
criminal.
B.
Understanding the historical perspective of how the different theoretical
explanations of criminal behavior have changed over time and their impact
on changing populations.
C.
Understanding the criteria, definitions and data utilized in developing
theories of criminal behavior.
D.
Understanding the theoretical explanations of specific criminal behaviors.
Measurement of Learning Objectives
Learning Objective A will be addressed and measured by weekly quizzes, weekly
lectures and research assignments #1, #2 and #3.
Learning Objective B will be addressed and measured by weekly quizzes, weekly
lectures and research assignments #2, #3 and #4.
Learning Objective C will be addressed and measured by weekly quizzes, weekly
lectures and research assignments #2, #4 and #5.
Learning Objective D will be addressed and measured by weekly quizzes, weekly
lectures and research assignments #2, #3, #4 and #5.
Course Expectation
At the end of the semester, students are expected to be able to critically examine
and discuss theoretical explanations for criminal behavior.
Course Requirements
1. As an advanced study, writing intensive course you will write at least a minimum of
8000 words throughout the semester. To meet this requirement there will be five
essay assignments. All are take-home assignments and must be typed
(double-spaced). All assignments must use the APA format for footnotes and
bibliography. The APA Manual is on reserve in the Main Library.
(Always keep a copy of your papers.)
ANY ASSIGNMENT TURNED IN LATE WILL AUTOMATICALLY
LOSE TWENTY-FIVE (25) POINTS FOR EACH DAY IT IS LATE. YOU
MUST COMPLETE ALL OF THE ASSIGNMENTS TO PASS THE
CLASS.
2.
Active participation in class discussions not only enhances your learning
experience but also will help your grade.
3.
Three essay exams will cover materials from class lectures, guest
speakers, discussions, readings, videos, and handouts.
4. The final will be an essay exam to be written outside of class and brought to class
during finals week.
5.
There will be weekly quizzes on the assigned readings. In general, the
question will be given at the end of the week's class. Each quiz will be
worth one point. If you are absent for one of the quizzes, you cannot make
it up.
6.
Students with a learning disability, who require assistance, will need to
contact the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities for coordination
of academic accommodations. It is located in Lassen Hall, Room 1008 and
their phone number is 916-278-6955 or 916-278-7239(TDD). Please let
me know of any special needs you may have as soon as possible.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of ideas or works belonging to another without providing
acknowledgement of that person’s contribution. Regardless of the means of
appropriation, incorporating another’s work into your own requires adequate identification
and acknowledgement. If it is determined that you have plagiarized, it can result in your
suspension or expulsion from the University. Also, a grade of F may be expected by
students who have plagiarized.
Grading System
Grading is based on the assumption that a paper deserves a C grade (on the
basis of 100 points that is approximately 70 points). For example, an A paper
(approximately 90 points) will clearly communicate your understanding of the
topic under discussion; it will be well organized and will fully develop the ideas
discussed in class or in the book. It will be written in a clear and concise fashion with little
ambiguity. It will also make clear references to the sources and show
that the writer has thought carefully about the topic. There will be no grammatical,
spelling or syntax errors.
A B paper (approximately 80 points) will contain some but not all of the strengths
of the A paper. It is also a well-written paper, but the examples will be less
specific, clear, or appropriate than those in the A essay. There will be very few
grammatical, spelling or syntax errors.
A C paper like the A and B essays will be organized around the assigned topic
and will directly discuss the topic. It will be organized but in a less clear and
concise manner. Transitions will be weak and there will be repetitiveness and a
poorer use of examples. The essay will communicate the basic information, but
not in a clear, effective or persuasive fashion. There may be frequent grammatical,
spelling or syntax errors.
A D paper (approximately 60 points) is too general; it lacks a direct or specific
focus on the topic. It is poorly organized and does not provide documentation and
support for the topic. It is a poorly constructed essay that makes it very difficult to
follow the information and argument that is being presented. It may have
numerous grammatical, spelling or syntax errors.
An F paper (approximately 50 points) fails to even minimally discuss the assigned
topic. It may have numerous grammatical, spelling or syntax error
Assignment #1: 50 points
Assignment #2: 200 points (research essay)
(See course syllabus for details of assignment)
Assignment #3: 100 points
Assignment #4: 100 points
Assignment #5: 100 points
Total number of points in class = 550.
A, A- = 550 to 495 B+, B, B- = 494 to 440 C+, C, C- = 439 to 385
D+, D, D- = 384 to 330 F = below 330
COURSE OUTLINE
Text Books
Akers, Ronald L, Sellers, Christine S. (2004). Criminological Theories:
Introduction and Evaluation (Fourth Edition). Roxbury Publishing Company
Reid, Sue Titus (2006). Crime and Criminology. (Eleventh Edition) Brown and
Benchmark
Suggested Supplemental Readings
Ellis, Lee (1989). Theories of Rape: Inquiries into the Causes of Sexual
Aggression. Hemisphere.
Doweiko, Harold (2000). Concepts of Chemical Dependency. Brooks/Cole
Rosoff, S.; Pontell, H.; and Tillman, R. (1998). Profit Without Honor. Prentice Hall
Wallace, Harvey (2002) Family Violence. Allyn and Bacon
Supplemental Materials
Supplemental materials will be supplied in the form of handouts. They will be
given out during the semester by the professor.
WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1 1/29 to 1/31 - Introduction; Defining crime; Crime and punishment.
Readings:
Reid -Chapters 1, 2, 14, 15
Akers - Chapter 1
ASSIGNMENT #1
This is a three page (typed) take — home essay. It is due at the start of class
on 2/12. Explain why you think people commit crimes. Discuss how definitions of
crime and criminal behavior, as well as theories explaining crime and criminal
behavior, support your position.
Research Paper (Assignment #2)
See Last Page of Syllabus - for due dates
Week 2 2/5 to 2/7 - Theories of crime: Biological theories.
Readings:
Reid— Chapters 3&4
Akers— Chapters 2&3
Week 3 2/12 to 2/14 - #1 Due; Psychological theories: Sociological theories.
Readings:
Reid - Chapters 4 & 5
Akers - Chapters 3 & 4
Week 4 2/19 to 2/21 - Research paper topic due; Sociological theories; Control
theories; Labeling theories.
Readings:
Reid - Chapter 6
Akers - Chapters 5 & 6
Week 5 2/26 to 2/28 - Conflict theories.
Readings:
Akers - Chapters 7 & 8
Assignment #3 will be handed out - it is due at start of class on 3/11/2008
Week 6 3/4 to 3/6 - Research bibliography due; Marxist theories; Feminist
theories.
Readings:
Akers - Chapters 9, 10 & 11
Reid - Chapter 5
Week 7 3/11 to 3/13 - Assignment #3 due; Domestic violence.
Readings:
Reid — Chapter 7
Week 8 3/18 to 3/20 – Domestic Violence.
Readings:
Reid - Chapter 7
Week 9 3/25 to 3/27 – Sexual Assaults.
Readings:
Reid - Chapter 7
Week 10 4/8 to 4/10 - Typed outline of research paper is due; Sexual assaults;
Readings:
Reid - Chapter 7
Assignment #4 will be handed out - it is due at start of class on 4/22/2008.
Week 11 4/15 to 4/17 – Violent crimes.
Readings:
Reid -Chapter 7
Week 12 4/22 to 4/24 – Drug Offenses; Assignment #4 due.
Readings:
Reid - Chapter 7
Week 13 4/29 to 5/1 – Drug offenses.
Readings:
Reid – Chapter 10
Week 14 5/6 to 5/8 – White collar offenses; Draft of research paper due.
Readings:
Reid – Chapter 10
Assignment #5 given out - due on final exam date (5/22).
Week 15 5/13 to 5/15 - White collar offenses. Research paper due (Assignment #2)
Readings:
Reid- Chapters 8 & 9
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT FOR SPRING 2008
The purpose of this assignment is to refine your research and writing skills.
You will be graded on content and format.
Select a particular crime that you are interested in studying.
The subject must be approved by the professor.
Your research paper must discuss the following issues:
1. How extensive is this crime?:
2. Who are the primary victims and the primary perpetrators?:
3. What types of punishments are imposed?:
4. Which theories of criminal behavior analyze or explain
this specific crime?
Your paper must be a minimum of (10) typed pages (excluding the cover page
and the bibliography).
DUE DATES
2/19/2008 Turn in a brief typed description of your research subject.
3/4/2008 Turn in a typed bibliography with a minimum of ten (10) references
that you will be using to write your paper. Use the APA Manual (see the
Reference section of the Library) for proper citation format. The
bibliography must include at least four different articles from academic
journals. The articles must have been published after 1995. Other
references may be books. The books must have been published after 1990.
Internet sources are permitted. If you are unsure if your references are
appropriate, please see me before the due date or you will lose points on
this assignment. If you do not turn in a bibliography this day you will lose
25 points from the final grade for the research paper.
4/8/2008 A typed outline of your research paper is due. If you do not turn in
an outline this day you will lose 25 points from the final grade for the
research paper.
5/6/2008 A typed draft of your paper is due. If you do not turn in a draft
this day you will lose 25 points from the final grade for the research paper.
5/13/2008 Your research paper is due.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: When you are writing your research paper you
must use the APA citation format. Your paper will graded on form as well as
its content.