University of ColoradoDenver

School of Public Affairs

CJ 3250 Violence in Society

Fall 2008

Instructor:Professor David Walcher

Office:1380 Lawrence Street, Suite 500

Phone:(303) 315-2086

Email:

Office Hours:Tuesday and Thursday after class, PL 112

Class Time:Tuesday and Thursday, 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM, PL 112

CatalogDescription: This course examines various aspects of violence including distribution over time and space, and situations and circumstances associated with violent victimization and offending. The course also examines how social institutions, community structure and cultural factors shape violent events.

Violence in Society

CJ3250 explores a number of different types of violence including, but not limited to, homicide, assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, riots, robbery, terrorism, genocide, lynching and hate crimes. Additionally, the class explores behavior that is harmful and destructive in all aspects of the types of violence.

Course Objectives:This class is designed to help achieve the following major goals:

  • Understand the different types of violence
  • Understand the key terms identified in the textbook
  • Identify and distinguish sociological explanations of violence
  • Identify and distinguish ethological and biological explanations of violence
  • Understand the role of the criminal justice system related to the different types of violence
  • Identify and explain historical trends and developments related to violence

Required Text:

Alvarez, A., & Bachman, R. (2008). Violence: The Enduring Problem. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Other reading materials will be given and will be included in tests.

Assignments:

A paper, 8-12 pages in length, will be required on a crime of violence that occurred in the State of Colorado. Further direction will be given in class.

Grades:

Exam 130%A90-100

Exam 230%B80-89

Attendance/Participation20%C70-79

Paper20%D60-69

FUnder 60

Course Policies:

  1. Attendance
  • Class attendance and participation is mandatory and is counted as part of your grade. Please note: You will not receive a passing grade unless you attend classes. A large percentage of the materials presented in class will not be available in the readings. Students who miss classes will find themselves at a disadvantage.
  1. Assignments
  • Papers must be turned in on time. Late papers will be subject to reductions in grade.
  • Please discuss any problems or issues with assignments before the due date.
  1. Academic Honesty
  • Plagiarism of any kind will result in a failing grade
  1. Classroom Conduct
  • Please turn off beepers and cell phones during class. Adherence to the Student Conduct Code is expected.
  • Please remember thatrespect and courtesy are essential for healthy and productive communication.

5. Access, Disability, Communication

  • Students with disabilities who want academic accommodations must register with Disability Resources and Services (DRS). DRS requires students to provide current and adequate documentation of their disabilities. Once a student has registered, DRS will review the documentation and assess the student’s request for academic accommodations. DRS will then provide the student with a letter indicating which academic accommodations have been approved. Please provide me with a copy of the DRS letter; I will be happy to provide the approved accommodations.

Course Schedule CJ3250

Please note: The topic schedule may vary due to the utilization of guest speakers, site visits, etc. However, please be prepared to discuss the book consistent with the schedule.

Additionally, handouts will be given and you are expected to be prepared to discuss as directed. The exam dates and paper due date will not change.

Test #1 October 14

Paper Due November 20

Test #2 - December 9 (Tentative Date – Finals Week)

DateTopicResponsibility

8/12Class IntroductionNothing Required

8/14No ClassNothing Required

8/19Defining and MeasuringChapter 1

8/21Explaining ViolenceChapter 2

8/26No Class, DNCNothing Required

8/28No Class, DNCNothing Required

9/2FilmNothing Required

9/4FilmNothing Required

9/9LibraryPaper Topic

9/11LibraryPaper Topic

9/16Explaining ViolenceChapter 2

9/18Aiding and AbettingChapter 3

9/23Assault and MurderChapter 4

9/25Assault and MurderChapter 4

9/30Assault and Murder Chapter 4

10/2Violence in the HomeChapter 5

10/7Violence in the HomeChapter 5

10/9Test ReviewNothing Required

10/14Test #1Test #1

10/16Stranger DangerChapter 6

10/21Stranger DangerChapter 6

10/23Sexual AssaultChapter 7

10/28Sexual AssaultChapter 7

10/30Mob ViolenceChapter 8

11/4Mob ViolenceChapter 8

11/6TerrorismChapter 9

11/11TerrorismChapter 9

11/13GenocideChapter 10

11/18Violence PreventionChapter 11

11/20Violence PreventionChapter 11, Paper Due

11/25No Class, Fall BreakNothing Required

11/27No Class, Fall BreakNothing Required

12/2No ClassNothing Required

12/4Final ReviewNothing Required

12/9Tentative Final – Test #2Test #2

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