CRJS 405

GENDER, RACE, & CRIME

Meeting Dates & Times: MW 9:30-11:35am         Phone: 206-296-5404

Course Description/ Objective:

This course examines the relationship between gender, race, crime, and justice from feminist and multicultural perspectives.  The objective of this course is to expose students to research and literature that critically analyzes existing theories of crime and criminal justice practices with respect to issues of gender, race and ethnicity.

• We will look closely at how Feminism critiques male centered theories and offers alternatives that do not privilege women over men.
• Feminism has the power to transform all of our lives in a meaningful way.
• We will look closely at racial inequality and social injustice from a feminist perspective.
• What would our Criminal Justice system look like if gender equality served as a foundation of decision making? 
• What would our Criminal Justice system look like if racial equality served as a foundation of decision making?

We will look closely at:

• Crime
• Cops
• Courts
• Correctional Systems

This course is organized around three main topics: (1) Race, ethnicity, and criminal justice (2) Gender and criminal justice, and  (3) Feminist criminology and alternative models of justice. General questions addressed in the course include: What is the relationship between gender, race, and crime? How have cultural stereotypes about gender, race, and ethnicity shaped theories of crime? What are the different stages of the criminal justice process (police, courts, corrections)? What would a justice system look like if it recognized the realities and perspectives of females, and people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds? Can alternative models of crime and justice be integrated with mainstream criminology and criminal justice to more accurately reflect the realities of the lives and experiences of all people? 

The objective of the course is to expose students to alternative frameworks from which to think about crime and justice, and to encourage analysis of the criminal justice system from a holistic perspective that acknowledges and addresses issues of gender, race, and ethnicity.

Course Organization: The teaching methodology is mutli-faceted. We will utilize various forms of learning techniques like videos, lectures and class discussion, small group discussions, and critically written book analyses.

Required Texts:

• Meeks, K. (2000).  Driving While Black.  Broadway Books.
• Lind, & Pasko. (2004). The Female Offender.  Sage.
• Russell, K (1998).  The Color of Crime.  New York University.
• Sikes, G. (1997).  8 Ball Chicks: A Year in the Violent World of Girl Gangsters.  Doubleday. (suggested)
• Walker, Spohn, & Delone (1997).  The Color of Justice.  Wadsworth.        

Required Course Work:

3 Critical Analysis and Reaction Papers – Using Female Offender, Driving While Black and The Color of Crime, write a 3 to 5 page, double-spaced critical analysis of each book. Critically look at the author’s validity of subject matter, world view, and proposals for change. Critically react and give your opinion of the author’s ideas, theories, and perspective.

1 Term Paper – Write a 13 to 15 page paper analyzing an issue in criminology/criminal justice with attention to gender and race/ethnicity.  The paper should deal with a narrow issue relevant to the topics explored in class, and should analyze an issue from a feminist/multicultural perspective.  Format must be MLA.

Term Paper Workshop -- Two weeks prior to the paper due date, you will have the opportunity to informally discuss your paper, and ask questions regarding problems/issues of concern to you in the final analysis/writing of your paper.  This workshop is intended to assist you with the final stages of the research and writing process. You will be required to turn in a typed list of questions/concerns/issues (at least 5) and to raise these questions, etc. in class.

Grades:  

• 3 Papers (15% each)
• 1 Term Paper (40%)
• Attendance and Participation (15%)

Attendance and Participation:

Attendance is an integral part of this course. Missing more than 2 excused absences will result in a lowering of the grade. Excused absences include illness, doctor’s excuses, and athletic events. You may speak to me about make-up opportunities for assignments missed due to excused absences. Conduct appropriate to education on the university level is assumed. It is imperative that you arrive to class on time so that you do not interrupt the class.

Active and enthusiastic participation in each day’s discussion will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your preparation. Careful and critical preparation is expected for each class. This includes reading, writing, reflection, and integration on all of the assignments for each class.

Cell phones, beepers, or electronic materials must be turned off! Talking on cellular phones is not permitted in class.

Due Dates:

• Book Analysis #1 Female Offender, Lind and Pasko – 4/19
• Book Analysis #2 The Color of Crime, Russell – 5/10
• Book Analysis #3 – Driving While Black, Meeks - 5/24
• Term Paper – Last day of class