Fall 2006
Criminal Justice 4322.001

Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 a.m.  12:15 p.m.

Bay Hall 126

 

 
 

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN LITERATURE

Course Syllabus

Dr. Dorothy S. McClellan                                    Office Hours:

Bay Hall            340                                          Tuesday & Thursday 12:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Phone:  825-2697                                               And by appointment 

e-mail: dorothy.mcclellan@tamucc.edu 

website:  http://falcon.tamucc.edu/%7Ecrijweb/CJhome.html

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A study of selected literary classics that treat of crime and punishment.  Literary artists from various cultures have described in quite personal terms the experience associated with committing crime, engaging in outlawed political activity, fighting in the courts, being victims of crime and abuse, living in prison, and reentering civil society following imprisonment.  We will attempt to place their experiences in historical and sociological perspective.

REQUIRED READING

Richard Wright, Native Son

Slavenka Drakulic, As If I Am Not There: A Novel About the Balkans

Ted Conover, Coyotes

James S. Hirsch, Hurricane: The Miraculous Journey of Rubin Carter

CLASS FORMAT

This course centers around four compelling books, the major themes of which will be illustrated through the use of films, lectures, guest speakers, small group and large group discussion.  Lectures will be devoted to providing historical, criminological, political background material, while class discussion will center around the analysis and criticism of the books. Our small group exercises will enable us to share thoughts and feelings about the writings and films in a relaxed setting.  This should contribute to a sense of collaborative intellectual conversation and good feeling! 

SCHEDULE

DATE                                        TOPIC

August 24 & 29                        Introductions & Overview

                                                Reading:  Start Native Son

August 31 &                            Native Son

September 5 & 7                    About the author

                                                Racism, crime and punishment

                                                Reading:  Book One - “Fear”

September 12 & 14                 Native Son

                                                Reading: Book Two - "Flight"
 
 

DATE                                        TOPIC

September 19 & 21 & 26        Native Son

                                                Reading:  Book Three - “Fate”

                                                Film

September 28                 Coyotes

                                               About the author

                                               "Illegal immigration"

October 3, 5, 10, 12, 19         Coyotes

                                               Guest speakers:

                                               Poet Tito and Sheriff's Dept. Kenedy County Representatives

                                               Reading: pages 1-64

                                               pages 65-125

Background 

October 24 & 26                     Film: El Norte

                                                Reading: pages 126-end

October 31                              Papers on Coyotes due

November 2 & 7                     A Novel About the Balkans

                                                Reading:  1-68

                                                Guest speaker: Nikola Knez

                                                "War in the Balkans"

November 9 & 14                    S: A Novel About the Balkans

                                                Reading: pages 69 - 159

November 16                           Finish S: A Novel About the Balkans and begin 

                                                          Hurricane

                                                          Actual Innocence

November 21                           Hurricane

                                                           Reading: pages 1-107

November 23                           Happy Thanksgiving!

November 28                           Hurricane

                                                           Reading: pages 108-193

                                                           Film: The Hurricane

November 30 &                       Hurricane

December 5                              finish

                                                 Film: The Hurricane


Schedule Subject to Change

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

Students will read the four required books.  Two essays, each a minimum of five pages in length, will be assigned.  Papers should be computer-processed (double-spaced, 11-13 font), well paragraphed and grammatical.  Two take-home examinations will be administered that each cover two of the assigned books. 

In the interest of fairness to all, late papers will not receive full credit.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Students are reminded of the university's strict prohibition against cheating and plagiarism.  Punishment for same may include expulsion from the university and a grade of F.  See attached guidelines for avoiding plagiarism.

ATTENDANCE

Since the course is dedicated to reading fascinating books and talking about them, your presence each class period is essential.  In light of the fact that there are no examinations, it’s particularly important that everyone attend class each time to ensure that this class not be viewed as undemanding and undisciplined by the university community. 

Your final course grade will be determined as follows:

1.  Two essays                                        25% each = 50%

2.  Two examinations                              20% each = 40%

2.  Participation & attendance                 10%

                                                              100%

ACADEMIC ADVISING

The College of Arts and Humanities requires that students meet with an Academic Advisor as soon as they are ready to declare a major.  The Academic Advisor will set up a degree plan, which must be signed by the student, a faculty mentor, and the department chair.  The College's Academic Advising Center is located in Driftwood 203E, and can be reached at 825-3466.