Discussion Questions:

Note: Incorporate the assigned readings for this week in your answers.




1. On page 418, Walker et al state: "Race, ethnicity, and crime are bound together in American society. It is impossible to discuss policing, sentencing, the death penalty, or employment in the criminal justice system without confronting issues of race and ethnicity. Moreover, most Americans believe there is a close link. Perceptions of crime and justice involve issues of race and ethnicity." Compare and contrast how Fellman, Bell and Walker might interpret this statement. Which author do you agree with the most? Why.
2. How do Fellman, Bell, and Walker explain the future direction of race, crime, and the law? Are things going to get better or worse? Why?
3. Bring a pair of scissors to class on the day these discussion questions are due.

Suggested Visual Projects/Creative Measures:

Note: Start thinking about ideas for your visual projects/creative measures. Must relate to "race, crime, law." Must be approved before starting your creative measure. Cannot be something that you are doing or have done for another course. Research cannot be 100% online (i.e., google, askjeeves). Must conduct library research using scholarly works, (not the popular press -- Time Magazine, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated). You are expected to turn in a bibliography with each visual project. No term papers! Allow time to dialogue and present your creative measure in class. Email me your ideas ASAP.

• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. An excellent resource for juvenile justice related issues.
  
• National Criminal Justice Resource Service. Administered by the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
  
  

• Make A Box a Week focusing on this week's topic, "The Color of Justice: The Future."
  
  
• Examine Race, Ethnicity, and the Criminal Justice System published by the American Sociological Association (September 2007).
• Research the Dalai Lama -- his past and present.
• Research "forgiveness". Begin with these books: Martha Minow, Between Vengeance and Forgiveness. Desmond Tutu, No Future Without Forgiveness.

Self-Assessment Questions for each Visual Project:

1. List the names of the individuals in your group. What did you do exactly for this visual project? (If in a group, explain the division of labor and your individual contribution to this visual project). What small item did you create to "give away" to those visiting your visual project?
2. Explain in depth, how your visual project specifically relates to "race, crime, law" (i.e., the readings, the documentaries, class discussions, major concepts). Demonstrate the interrelationship between "theory, policy, practice" in your visual project. What did you learn?
3. Assess how the 6Cs apply to your visual project, with special attention on competence and creativity. What is your visual project self-assessment (provide a letter grade) ___ ? Explain why this particular grade.
   

   Recommended Readings:

   
   
   • The Dalai Lama. The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality.
   • The Dalai Lama. Ethics for the New Millennium.
   • The Dalai Lama. An Open Heart.
   • The Dalai Lama. Live in a Better Way.
   • Paul Loeb. The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen's Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear. [if you have not read this for another course]
   • Paulo Freire. Pedagogy of the Oppressed.
   • Alfie Kohn. No Contest. The Case Against Competition.
   • Thomas Kuhn. Structure of Scientific Revolutions.
     
     
   • Desmond Tutu. No Future Without Forgiveness.
   • Jurgen Habermas. Between Facts and Norms.
     
   • Martha Minow. Making All the Difference: Exclusion, Inclusion and American Law. Check out this link Martha Minow on the Dear Habermas site.
     
     
     
     

   Course Syllabus for CRMJ/SOCA 365 "Race, Crime, Law"

   
   
   
   
   takata@uwp.edu
   
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