Race, Crime & CJ

Catalog description

This course examines the topic of race and ethnicity in relation to crime and criminal justice processing. More specifically, we focus on several issues: 1) the role of privilege and marginalization in the context of race and ethnicity and the criminal justice system: 2) the impact of these factors on intergroup relationships generally and the responses of the criminal justice system to criminal behavior, victimization, and employment within the criminal justice field; 3) how the responses of the criminal justice system affect the lives of offenders, victims, and agents of the criminal justice system for various racial/ethnic groups; 4) the current patterns of crime and victimization in relation to race/ethnicity? In addressing these questions, it is important to note that this is an upper-level sociology/criminal justice course, so do not expect it to be lecture driven, although some lectures will be presented. Much of the course work will revolve around class discussions and written analysis of the readings. This course can count towards public policy minor.