Psychological Theories

Today you had the opportunity to show me what you learned in the previous chapter through your unit quiz. The test was open book and I am happy to say most of you did very well especially Olivia! After the quiz we discussed a little about what you know about a fellow by the name of Sigmund Freud.
Most of you have never heard about him thus far and after we finish our work on his theories, some of you are going to wish that you had never heard of him. I found the symbolism I did with you guys pretty amusing. I am sure some it was pure hogwash but some of it I thought was pretty legit.
Next class I will go over some of the theories you have been working on (Sociological Theories) and then we will get into Mr. Freud and the Psychoanalitic Theory.

Enjoy your weekend!

Welcome back

Today was the first class back after Spring Break...we discussed what to expect from now until the end of the year.
Field trip on Monday and Tuesday April 29/30 to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Monday's trip is to Vancouver while Tuesday is to New Westminster.

We discussed many different theories of crime today. Your assignment for the day was to research the following theories:

Choice Theory
Trait Theory
Conflict Theory
Social Control Theory
Social Disorganization Theory
Strain Theory

Write down the following for each theory:

1) Major theorist
2) Key elements...how it explains criminal behavior
3) Limitations
4) Your opinion on the theory

Quiz on the Early Theories of crime next class.

Early Theories Cont.

Yesterday we continued on our discussion of some of the most influential early theories of criminology.
Classical School
Statistical School
Positive School
Early Biological Theories.

Your notes assignment is due on Tuesday (your first class after spring break). If you have your notes done, then your quiz will be open book...however if you do not get your notes done, then you are on your own for the quiz.
We looked at Lombroso and Sheldon today. What they proposed and its ramifications...
Here is the web site for the guessing a criminal activity we did:

http://reverent.org/criminal_or_not/

Your assignment for the class was to watch the episode of the Fifth Estate on Colonel Russel Williams and then apply one of the theories we discussed in class to try to explain why he committed the horrific crimes that he did. This will be your next blog entry.

Enjoy your sprint break.

Early Theories of Crime

Today the students got into groups of 4-5. They were given big chart paper and encouraged to included as many reasons as they could about why people commit crimes. After 15 minutes or so we discussed as a class some of the reasons why people commit crimes. They students shared their ideas infront of the class and then posted their charts to the white board. From their we tried to categorize the different reasons: Biological/Social/ Family/ Mental/ Financial....were some that the students came up with.

We continued discussing the issue of Nature/Nurture....twin studies.

The students were then given the following assignment to work on:

Early Theories of Criminology

This chapter describes the historical framework through which modern theories of criminology developed. The earliest theories of crime causation emphasized the role of religion and/or superstition. A belief that criminals were possessed by evil spirits brought harsh punishments that often resulted in the death of the accused.

Your goal is to read chapter 8 and gain information on the early theories of crime. The following are the main theories that need to be studied:

Classical Theory

Statistical School

Positive School

Early Biological Theory

For each of the following theories I want you to answer the following:

1)    List the major theorists associated with each theory…

2)    Pros/Cons of each theory

3)    What are the limitations of each theory

4)    How did each theory lead to legal reforms

What theory do you most relate to…which one do you think is most plausible

Deviance

Last class we finished off all the presentations of the prison project. I knew I would end up in jail at some point in my life....it was only a matter of time. Well done Class....the projects were awesome!
We started a discussion on what is deemed deviant by society. The class made a list of acts that are deviant but not criminal.
Next we created another list of acts that are criminal but not deviant. Interesting discussion on what you guys think is criminal but not deviant like
- downloading files off the internet
- lying at the border
- jaywalking
- speeding
- talking on phone while driving
- smoking weed

Deviant but not criminal:
- smoking
- picking your nose in public
- nudity
- homosexuality (in the past)

Great discussioin. Students then decided which ones should be illegal and which ones were just deviant.
Next class we will discuss why people commit crimes...and look at the early theories surrounding crime.

Prison blog post

On Thursday we discussed the life of prisoners. During this class I showed two video clips. The first one was about the role of mandatory minimum sentences. This would lead to overcrowding in Canada's prison system.
The second video clip was on the conditions in a Thai prison.

Here are the two clips.

You homework is to make a blog entry on one of the following:

What is your opinion on tougher sentences as a means of reducing crime

or

Discuss the differences between Thai prisons and Canadian prisons. Which ones ore more effective

Prison Visit

On Monday and Tuesday, we are visiting the North Fraser Pretrial Centre. Make sure that you follow some basic common sense rules if you are going on this field trip. First, do not bring a camera or a cel phone. Please leave them in your lockers. Also wear apprpriate clothing...we are representing WESTVIEW so please be on your best behavior.
It should be an interesting visit. Hopefully we all make it back safely.