Selected topics that highlight the interdisciplinary nature of the Liberal Arts and Sciences. This seminar-style class is a key aspect of the Augustana First Year Experience. The focus and content of each course are determined by faculty interests, and vary from year to year.
Why is it that so much attention is paid to street crime while the crimes of the powerful go virtually unpunished and sometimes unnoticed? A comprehensive examination of the prevalence and impact of crime committed by the powerful, including white collar occupational crime, corporate crimes, and crimes committed by the state. Prerequisite: One of AUCRI 160, 224, 225, 353, AUIDS 160 (2020), AUPOL 353 (2020), AUSOC 224 (2020), 225 (2020), and 3rd year standing or consent of the instructor. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUCRI 327, 427, AUSOC 327 (2020), 427 (2020).
Examination of anthropological and sociological explanations of crime and criminality, including a cross-cultural analysis of the social processes accompanying criminal activities. The course focuses on criminality as defined under Canadian criminal law and the traditional legal systems of Canada's aboriginal peoples. Prerequisite: One of AUCRI 160, AUIDS 160 (2020), AUSOC 101, 103, 105. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUCRI 225 and AUSOC 225 (2020).
Examination of the relation between the method of inquiry and the problem which inquiry addresses. It is designed to acquaint students with numerous approaches to social research, covering all phases of the research process including formulation of a research problem, design of instruments, collection of data and analysis of results. Particular attention is given to qualitative methods, including interviewing, observation, focus groups, and unobtrusive measures. Students will be expected to conduct original research assignments. Prerequisite: One of AUSOC 101, 103, 105.
Introduction to crime and correction in Canada. The theory and practice accompanying law enforcement, trial, correctional intervention, and probation and parole are analyzed by drawing from a range of disciplinary traditions such as ethical reflection, psychological theory, social and political thought, and biological understandings of criminality. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUCRI 160 and AUIDS 160 (2020).
Interactionist analysis of processes accompanying the definition of deviance, subculture formation, careers of involvement in deviant activities, and the formal and informal regulation of deviance. Prerequisite: One of AUCRI 160, AUIDS 160 (2020), AUSOC 101, 103, 105. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUCRI 224 and AUSOC 224 (2020).