Juvenile Delinquency and Criminology
SO 386 Section 01
SPRING 2014
Tuesday/Thursday
HSS, Room 301, 5:30 pm – 6:50 pm
Instructor:
Office Location:
Office Hours:
Debra T. Cabrera, Ph.D.
HSS, Adjunct Office
Times are available by appointment.
Telephone Number: (671) 735-2870
E-mail:
dcabrera@uguamlive.uog.edu
debra.cabrera@gmail.com
Course Website:
http://www.soc386.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Welcome to Juvenile Delinquency and Criminology (SOC 386). This course presents a
critical evaluation of current theories of delinquency causation, a study of the juvenile
court system and laws relating to juvenile offenders, an examination of institutional and
non-institutional treatment programs, and an analysis of delinquency control and
prevention.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
The objectives of this course will be to introduce to students the sociological principles,
concepts and issues that contribute to our understanding of juvenile delinquency and
criminology. After completing this course students should be able to define and describe
and contrast the theoretical perspectives that apply to juvenile delinquency and
criminology. This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the
relevant research that has been conducted on juvenile delinquency and criminology and
assist students in developing the ability to design a research study, to use technical skill in
retrieving information and data from various archival sources, collect and analyze data,
and present the research findings in a scientific technical writing format. Finally this
course is intended to aid students in developing an understanding of the ethical issues
surrounding the study of juvenile delinquency and criminology.
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READING REQUIREMENTS
The critical analysis of the readings and the sharing of your perspectives are important
ingredients for a positive learning experience. Thus, you are expected to complete the
assigned readings by the dates indicated in the Schedule of Classes section in this
syllabus. Many readings will be a part of class discussions, while others may not receive
the same amount of attention in class. Nonetheless, you should be prepared to discuss all
the assigned readings.

Sharp P., Hancock B., Juvenile Delinquency: Historical, Theoretical and Societal
Reactions to Youth, Prentice Hall, 2nd Edition, 1998.

Weitzer, Ronald, Current Controversies in Criminology, Prentice Hall, 2003.
There is also reading packet of articles, chapters and papers that are available at Fast
Copy Factory in Hagatna. You may call them at 472-2679 to order a copy, which can be
picked up the following day.
COURSE WORK
ASSIGNMENTS: There will be a total of three unannounced assignments given out
during the semester. An assignment may be an in-class assignment or a homework
assignment. Each in-class assignment is due at the conclusion of the class for which
it is assigned. A homework assignment is due at the beginning of the class period
for which it is assigned. Thus, you should attend class regularly so that you do not
risk missing an assignment. Assignments are worth 10 points each.
QUIZZES AND EXAMS: There will be three non-cumulative quizzes, a mid-term
exam, and one cumulative final exam. Each will test your understanding, synthesis,
and application of readings, lectures, and films. The format consists of multiplechoice, short-answer, and essay questions. Each quiz is worth 40 points. The midterm and final exams are worth 50 points each.
If you miss a quiz or exam, you must provide evidence of illness or other reasons
that are beyond your control before you can take a make-up quiz. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact the instructor prior to absence from a scheduled quiz or
exam. A make-up quiz or exam is not allowed for an unexcused absence.
RESEARCH PAPER: A research paper is required for this course. The paper will
require you to think critically by identifying, analyzing, applying, synthesizing, and
evaluating existing scientific research regarding a particular topic in the field of
juvenile delinquency and criminology. No late research papers will be accepted.
The research paper is worth a total of 50 points, which includes a presentation.
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ATTENDANCE AND CLASS PARTICIPATION: Students are expected to attend all
class meetings on time and participate in class discussions. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact the instructor in advance regarding classwork missed
because of absence from class. Attendance and class participation are worth a total
of 50 points, which are distributed across all the scheduled class meetings.
PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism will be dealt with in accordance to the Student Handbook.
The UOG Student Handbook p. 49 defines plagiarism as: “The term “plagiarism”
includes, but is not limited to the use by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the
published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear
acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by
another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic
materials.” Purdue University’s Writing Lab
(https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/) gives advice on how to
avoid plagiarism in your work.
DISTRIBUTION OF POINTS: There will be a total of 350 possible points throughout
the semester. The points are distributed as follows:
Quiz I
Quiz II
Quiz III
Mid-Term
Final Exam
Assignments
Research Paper
Class Participation
TOTAL
40 points
40 points
40 points
50 points
50 points
30 points (10 points each)
50 points
50 points
350 points
GRADING SCALE: Percentages on the grading scale for the course are calculated by
dividing the total number of points earned by the total number of possible points
(350), and then multiplying by 100. The grading scale used in this class is as
follows:
A
B
C
D
F
90% and above
80% to 89%
70% to 79%
60% to 69%
below 60%
Letter grades will be based on the CLASS Grading Policies.
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DISABILITY
ADA Statement In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the University of Guam does not discriminate against
students and applicants on the basis of disability in the administration of its educational and
other programs. The University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities,
as defined by applicable law, if the individual is otherwise qualified to meet the
fundamental requirements and aspects of the program of the University, without undue
hardship to the University. Harassment on the basis of disability issues is prohibited.
The University offers reasonable accommodation for students in accordance with the UOG
Policy and Procedure for students and applicants with a disability. The ADA Office can be
contacted at telephone number (671) 735-2244 or Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD)
number (671) 735-2243. Students who seek academic accommodations are expected to
contact the coordinator well in advance of the commencement of courses, and to provide
the requested supporting information to the Coordinator at least four weeks before
classes begin. The ADA policy can be found on the University’s website: www.uog.edu.
FLU INFORMATION
An early flu season is upon us. If you develop flu symptoms (fever with aches and
pains, and so on), then you should do the following:
1. Go to the Department of Public Health or your medical doctor to be tested.
2. Stay home; do not come to campus; only visit a doctor.
3. Contact the instructor by email or phone, and make arrangements to do make-up
work.
4. Do not spread rumors about flu or other illnesses.
5. Stay healthy, stay fit. Remember that people who smoke are more susceptible to
respiratory illnesses such as catching the flu or a cold.
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
Jan. 23
Introduction to Juvenile Delinquency and Criminology
 Sharp and Hancock Chapters 1 and 2
Jan. 28
Classifying and Measuring Crime in American Society
 “The Subculture of Violence,” by Marvin Wolfgang and Franco
Ferracuti. “Crime and Social Inequality,” by Elliott Currie. And
“Crime and Routine Activities,” by Lawrence E. Cohen and
Marcus Felson. All in Current Controversies in Criminology,
Ronald Weitzer edt.
Jan. 30
Female Delinquency
Sharp and Hancock Chapters 3 and 12
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Feb. 04
Reading and Discussion on Empey, LaMar T. and Mark C. Stafford,
“How Delinquency is Constructed” pgs. 1-13. And Reading on Jensen,
Gary F. and Dean G. Rojek, “Explanations of Delinquency: Body, Mind
and Learning.” In Delinquency: A Sociological View, pgs. 122-154,
Toronto: D.C. Heath and Company, 1980
Feb. 06, 11
Social Structure and Anomie; Social Learning
 Sharp and Hancock Chapters 5 and 6
 Merton, Robert K. “Social Structure and Anomie.”pgs. 131-150
and Sutherland, Edwin H. and Donald R. Cressey, “The Theory of
Differential Association” both in In Society, Delinquency, and
Delinquent Behavior. Edited by H.L. Voss, pgs 151-156. Boston:
Little Brown and Company, 1970
Feb. 13
QUIZ I
Feb. 18
Reading and Discussion on Workmen, Randall et al., Guam Youth Risk
Behavior Surveys: 2001. Percentage Distributions for Total Middle
School and High School populations with breakdowns by Gender, Grade
Level, and Ethnicity. Mangilao: University of Guam
*Paper outline is due.
Feb. 20
Social Control and Techniques of Neutralization
 Sharp and Hancock Chapters 7 and 8
Feb. 25
Routine Activities Theory
 Sharp and Hancock Chapter 9
Feb. 27
Public Order Crime: Sex and Substance Abuse
 Sharp and Hancock Chapter 10
 “Deviant Career Mobility: The Case of Male Prostitutes” by David
Luckenbill in Deviant Behavior: A Text Reader in the Sociology of
Deviance
Mar. 04
QUIZ II
Mar. 06
Reading and Discussion on Becker, Howard S., “Becoming a Marijuana
User.” In Boundaries: Readings in Deviance, Crime and Criminal Justice,
pgs. 313-326. MA: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2003. Reading on
Chapter 20 in Sharp P., Hancock B., Textbook, by William K.
Chambliss. “The Saints and Roughnecks” pgs.291-300, 1973
Mar. 11
Charter Day: No Class
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Mar. 13
Neighborhoods, Land Use, and Crime
 “Deviant Places,” Rodney Stark in Current Controversies in
Criminology, Ronald Weitzer edt.
Mar. 18
Midterm Exam
Mar. 20
The Social and Institutional Context of Family and Juvenile Delinquency
and the Social and Institutional Context of Youth and Drugs and Juvenile
Delinquency.
 Sharp and Hancock Chapters 14 and 15
Mar. 24-29
Spring Break: No Class
Apr. 01
Enterprise Crimes: White Collar and Green Collar Crime
 “Computer Crime,” by Stephen M. Rosoff, Henry N. Pontell, and
Robert Tillman. “Corporate Crime,” by John Braithwaite and
Gilbert Geis. “State-Organized Crime,” by William J. Chambliss.
All in Current Controversies in Criminology, Ronald Weitzer edt.
Apr. 03
Reading and Discussion on Nero, Karen L. “The Hidden Pain:
Drunkenness and Domestic Violence in Palua.” Pacific Studies, pgs. 6391Volume 13, No. 3, July 1990, and Mokuau, Noreen and Lisalinda
Natividad, “Chamorros: Recognizing a people and their issues with
substance abuse.” Pgs.137-150 and Mason, Michael, “Chilling the Pacific:
Ice in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI).” pgs. 172184, both in Cultural Competence Series, Responding to Pacific Islanders:
Culturally Competent Perspectives for Substance Abuse Prevention, US
Dept. of Human Services. 1998, “School and Non-School Delinquency:
The Generalizability of Social Bonding Theory Among Indigenous and
Non-Indigenous High School Students in the Northern Mariana Islands,”
Debra T. Cabrera
Apr. 08
Reading and Discussion on “Drug Control Strategies” in Criminology:
Theories, Patterns and Typologies, by Larry Siegel, Wadsworth
Publishing Company, 1998, pp. 390-418
Apr. 10
QUIZ III
Apr. 15, 17
Readings and Discussion on “Hate Crimes,” by James B. Jacobs and
Kimberly A. Potter. “Child Abuse,” by Leslie Margolin. “Date Rape,” by
Eugene J. Kanin. All in Current Controversies in Criminology, Ronald
Weitzer edt.
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Apr. 22
Violent Crimes: Homicide and Robbery
 “Criminal Homicide as a Situated Transaction,” by David F.
Luckenbill and “School Shootings,” by Ronald Burns and Charles
Crawford in Current Controversies in Criminology, Ronald
Weitzer edt. “Up It Up: Gender and the Accomplishment of Street
Robbery,” by Jody Miller in Criminology, v.36, n.1, 1998. “The
Female Serial Killer,” Eric Hickey in Serial Murders and Their
Victims
Apr. 24
Gangs
 Sharp and Hancock Chapter 18
Apr. 29
The Criminal Justice System: Punishment and Rehabilitation.
 “Sex Offender Notification and Community Justice,” by Lois
Presser and Elaine Gunnison. “Three Strikes Laws,” by James
Austin, John Clark, Patricia Hardyman, and D. Alan Henry. “The
Death Penalty,” by Michael L. Radelet and Marian J. Borg. All in
Current Controversies in Criminology, Ronald Weitzer edt.
May 01
Research Project Presentations
May 06
Research Project Presentations
*Research Papers Due.
May 08
Research Project Presentations
May 13
Research Project Presentations
May 15
Review
May 20
Final Exam
18:00PM – 19:50PM
May 25
Commencement
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