Organized Crime

Catalog description

From mainstream media to movies to books, the topic of organized crime, i.e., who they are, what they do, and how do they do it, has fascinated, frustrated and inspired imaginations all around the world. What looks glamorous, or exciting, or profitable is deadly, destructive, costly, and increasingly difficult to control by conventional elements of the criminal justice system. Along with their explanations, theories, accounts, investigations, adjudications, and regulations, this course will provide an in-depth view of the social, structural, and organizational factors leading to the development of organized crime activity. Through critical analysis, discussions, presentations, and research, students will trace, present, and report on the evolution of organized crime and related criminal activity such as human, drug, and weapons trafficking, cartel activity, public corruption, crimes against people, crimes against property, bulk money transfers and money laundering. Readings will include factual accounts of the United States and international criminal justice system, partner's organized crime initiatives and current intelligence reports as they relate to criminology, criminal justice, national security, and public media sources. TSI Restriction(s): Reading, Math, and Writing.