 This
course is a graduate-level seminar on the theoretical, methodological,
and selected empirical developments in criminological sociology. This is
a combined lecture and discussion/student-presentation course that is designed
to introduce graduate students to some key theories, methodologies, and,
along the way, a selection of substantive themes in criminological sociology.
The course is aimed at stimulating students to contribute in meaningful
ways to this sociological specialty area at the highest level of academic
rigor.
This
course offers a review and discussion of the most important developments
in the sociological study of crime and social control. Emphasis is on the
distinct characteristics of various theoretical and methodological approaches
in criminological sociology, their policy implications as well as some
examples of empirical research in each of the discussed traditions. The
course is designed to discuss a considerable variety of perspectives and
should enable sound thinking about crime as a social and a sociological
issue. From a theoretical and methodological viewpoint, attention is devoted
to the origins and developments of causal, interpretive, and critical perspectives.
Substantive research topics covered include various forms of crime and/or
deviance as well as major components of social control.
Discussing
the most influential developments in sociological perspectives of crime
and social control, the central issues of this course concern theory, policy,
methodology, and research. This is not a topics course and we will not,
at least not primarily or directly, deal with conditions of crime and social
control in contemporary American society. However, we will devote attention
to some criminological research applications and so indirectly to various
aspects of crime and its control in our society. After reviewing the foundations
of criminological sociology, three major intellectual traditions are discussed.
The book by Williams and McShane provides a very handy overview, because
it more or less follows the structure of the course. Also, we will analyze
additional research books and articles which will further contribute to
our understanding of the course topics.
Based
on your own interests and research needs, you should explore aspects of
criminological sociology not discussed in this class by taking other courses
and/or through self-study. Also, you can always consult me for guidance.
The syllabus for this
course is handed out in class. |
