When we think of "crime," we are heavily influenced by media images and
political rhetoric. Yet, "crime" is a broad term covering minor indiscretions
(spitting on the sidwalk) to major malfeasance (violent murder). There are
many types of crime, ranging from FBI index crimes, white collar crime,
corporate crime, war crimes, environmental crimes, and more.
This seminar, based heavily on class participation and writing, looks
at the history and conceptualization of crime and culture to examine
the complexity of "crime" as a social construct, a label imposed on
behaviors that require a social response to prevent and punishment when
committed. Each week, we will select a different crime and deconstruct
the societal, historical, cultural, political, and ideological factors on which
that crime is built.
This is a multi-disciplinary course: Even though it will focus on theory
and methods, the class does not assume prior in-depth knowledge of
sociological or criminological theory. However, some theoretical or
philosophical coursework, or methodological classes in history or the
social sciences would be helpful as background.
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