CJ584 Seminar in Criminological Theory

Spring 2000

Instructor: Bob Sigler 348-7781 553-3897 rsigler@cj.as.ua.edu

office hours: 9-930 and 12-1 MWF

Text: Brown, Ebsen, & Geis,(1998), Criminology, Anderson. 3rd Edition

January

10 course introduction

17 the nature of theory chapter 1-2 Chapter 10

24 theories of human behavior

31 theories of human behavior

February

7 theories of deviance

14 anthropology, sociology, psychology

21 free will vs. determinism classical and positivism chapter 5

28 biological factors chapter 6

March

19 social structure chapter 7

14 social process chapter 8

21 Social Process

28 Spring Break

April

4 ACJS

11 social reaction chapter 9

18 critical/radical/Marxist criminology

25 integrating and using theories chapter 10

May

2 Review

9 final exam 2pm

Requirements

Final 50%--based on text

Paper 50%

The  paper will thoroughly review one theory of  criminal  behavior.

The  paper  will  include:

(I)  Presentation  of  the  Theory;  

(II) Discussion of the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Theory; and (III) Discussion  of the Relevance of the Theory to the Operation of  One Aspect of the Justice System

or, if you prefer, you may develop and present your own theory

This  course will be a lecture/discussion class with an  emphasis

on discussion. Discussion in the first six weeks will flow  from

the instructor's comments which will discuss theory as a  process

or as a way of thinking with some supplementary thoughts from the

text.  The  remainder of the semester will  be  spent  reviewing

various theories which have been advanced. Your will be expected

to  read and understand the various theories using sources  other

than the text when necessary. Class will focus on your questions

and criticisms regarding the various theories to be covered  each

week.