Philosophy of Crime and Punishment

Course Description

Critical discussion of philosophical questions raised by criminal law, including the moral justification of punishment, the theoretical underpinnings of various criminal defenses, and the conceptual distinctions among types of crimes.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of theories, ideas, and arguments from assigned readings.
  • Demonstrate the ability to clearly explain the theories, ideas, and arguments from the assigned readings.
  • Demonstrate the ability to compare theories and ideas from the assigned readings.
  • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate theories, ideas, and arguments from assigned readings.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Exams 48%
Essays & Drafts 40%
In-Class scheduled assignments 12%

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
94 - 100%A
90 - <94%A-
87 - <90%B+
83 - <87%B
80 - <83%B-
77 - <80%C+
73 - <77%C
70 - <73%C-
67 - <70%D+
63 - <67%D
60 - <63%D-
0 - <60%F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance is required, and will be taken. After 3 unexcused absences, students will lose 2 points (2%) per additional unexcused absence

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.