Brad Wright
Soci 216: Criminology
Here are various materials that elaborate on the ideas and materials covered in the course. Enjoy.
Lecture 1: Definitions of crime & Brother's Keeper
More information about Brother's Keeper
Lecture 2: Theory, measuring crime, Capturing the Friedmans
Jesse Friedman's homepage--where he argues his innocence
Lecture 3: Biological theories, crime in the U.S., Bus 174
Article by Scarr & McCartney. It lays out the basic logic of how genetic * environmental interactions through which people "create their own environments." (May need to be on University computer to read).
Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistic
Lecture 4: Psychological theories, serial murders, Stevie
An example of low self-control (from The Family Guy)
A biographical article about Michael Ross
Lecture 5: Rational choice theory, death penalty, The Iceman
The "truth" about DNA & the death penalty, from the Colbert Report
Description of the death penalty in the U.S.
Inmates on Connecticut's death row
Information about Richard Kuklinski
Lecture 6: Social control theories, drugs, Devil's Playground
Sampson & Laub review article. Here they review the literature surrounding their social control theory. (May need to be on UConn computer)
Alcohol and tobacco as more dangerous than pot, ecstasy
The toxicity of recreational drugs
The faces of crystal meth--before and after drug use
Students for Sensible Drug Policy
First person experience of drug use
Lecture 7: Midterm
Lecture 8: Social learning theory, burglary, Lost Children of Rockdale
Funny places to hide your money
Lecture 9: Strain theories, culture of fear, Smartest Man in the Room
Teaching children to be afraid
Lecture 10: Labeling theory, gun control, Bowling for Columbine
Lecture 11: Situational & ecology theories, broken windows, Streetwise
Lecture 12: Race theories, Is the Murder on a Sunday Morning
How not to get arrested (Chris Rock)
Brenton Butler's legal aftermath
Lecture 13: Gender and crime
Lecture 14: Conflict theory, Weather Underground