Media and Criminal Justice

Catalog description

This class examines the interrelationships between crime, criminal justice, and Media, Television, film, newspaper and electronic/internet media intersect with crime and the criminal justice system in a number of important ways. The point of this course is to explore how the media represents influences, distorts, and/or filters crime and justice issues. Also, the media is used as a mechanism to explore issues (e.g., political ideology, corrections policy, causes of crime) that are central to the study of crime. The impact of media images of crime and violence on individuals, groups, and public policy will be considered. Issues regarding the future of crime, criminal justice, and mass media also will be discussed. In addition, the course requires 20 hours of service learning. Students will work with local community organizations involved with criminal justice.