TOPICS for Sociology 589

This course will be driven by student presentations and research.  Presenters 
MUST HAVE assigned readings posted for the class on the mailing list or placed
on library reserve AT LEAST one week in advance of the class. Two weeks 
lead-time is preferable.  Ideally, some readings can be obtained ONLINE.

SEE THE CLASS SIGNUP LIST for who is presenting
each topic (Note - we will sign up for these on the first class session)

Each discussion group will put up material at least two weeks in advance.
Material can include: 
    a) Net resources; b) Class handouts; c) Library Reserve

NOTE: FAILURE TO PROVIDE READINGS WITHIN AT LEAST SEVEN (7) DAYS OF THE 
PRESENTATION WILL RESULT IN TEN PERCENT REDUCTION IN THE PRESENTATION GRADE FOR
THE ENTIRE GROUP FOR EACH DAY LATE (UP TO 30 PERCENT OF GRADE)

JANUARY 13 - Background of the legal basis of our Criminal Justice System  
GUIDING QUESTION: How do social factors change systems of social control?)

JANUARY 20 - Criminal Justice/Criminal law (history)
GUIDING QUESTION: What are the burning issues in Criminal Justice?)

JANUARY 27 - Crime rates, crime theories, crime victims
GUIDING QUESTION: Is "crime" a "bourgeoise concept?"

FEBRUARY 3 - History of Police
GUIDING QUESTION: Are police really necessary?

February 10 - Police Organization; Police and law
GUIDING QUESTION: Does the structure of police contribute to racism/sexism?

FEBRUARY 17- PRISONS
GUIDING QUESTION: Why do we need prisons?

FEBRUARY 24 - Critical Issues in Policing
GUIDING QUESTION: Topic says it all)

MARCH 2 - Criminal Courts - History & Structure
GUIDING QUESTION: What are our roots?

MARCH 9 - SPRING BREAK 

March 16   Prosecution, Trials, Sentencing
GUIDING QUESTION: Does "proper rule following" equal "Justice?")

MARCH 23 - Corrections - History and structure
GUIDING (QUESTION: Do we really need prisons?)

MARCH 30 Prisons (Redux)
GUIDING QUESTION: Prisons! Do they work?

APRIL 6 - Alternatives to Prisons
GUIDING QUESTION: Is there a better way?)

APRIL 13 - Catch-up (choose your own topic)

APRIL 20 - Juvenile Corrections
GUIDING QUESTION: What is a "juvenile offender?" Should they be treated 
                  like adults?

APRIL 27 - Final Reports/group catch-up


Page maintained by: Jim Thomas - jthomas@sun.soci.niu.edu