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Satenik Margaryan

The End of the Fall 2023 Semester

This is the end of our journey together. You have worked hard all semester, and your understanding of the issues pertaining to crime and criminal behavior has deepened. I wish you all good luck in your academic journeys and a …

Welcome to Week 15!

We are in the final week of the Fall 2023 semester! This is the last full week of classes (the last day of the Fall 2023 semester is Monday, December 11th).
A graphic with words Criminology: Final Week (15) on blue background.

WEEK 15 (12/4 to 12/11): Critical Theories

This final week we will focus on the last crop of theories we are going to discuss in this class. We begin by identifying the difference between mainstream and critical criminology. The critical perspectives, including conflict criminology, new critical criminology, postmodernism, and radical—Marxist—criminology are discussed.
Elizabeth Holmes and Sam Bankman Fried on the Covers of Forbes

Discussion Forum 15: Crimes of the Powerful

Why, according to critical criminologists, are the “crimes of the powerful” (politicians, business people, and other elites) less likely to be severely punished than those of the poor, even when those crimes have mortal consequences? Do you have examples proving …

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Welcome to Week 14!

This is our penultimate (one to the last) week of the online course. This week we are discussing the feminist theories in criminology. This is also a good time to see if you have any missing assignments or quizzes. Please …

Criminology Week 14

WEEK 14 (11/27 to 12/03): Feminist Criminology


The unit on feminist criminology, positioned in the penultimate week of the semester, delves into the significant role of feminist theories in the field of criminology. These theories are pivotal in emphasizing that the study of women’s deviance is not …

ERA YES

Discussion Forum 14: Equal Rights Amendment

Did you know that women are not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution nor that it guarantees equality between sexes? Equal Rights Amendment was introduced back in 1923 and has not yet been ratified yes (read all about it here). …

a photo of a street in Philadephia with the view of City Hall.

Welcome to Week 13!

Dear students,

This is a short week because of the Thanksgiving break! Your assignments are due next Monday because I don’t want you to stress out during the holiday break.

This week we are looking at Labeling Theory in criminology. …

Hello! I am what you label me

WEEK 13 (11/20 to 11/27): The Labeling Theory

This week's learning unit delves into labeling theory in criminology, a pivotal concept that emerged amidst the socio-political tumult of the 1960s in the United States. This era, characterized by events such as the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War, significantly influenced the development of this theory. We will introduce key figures like Howard S. Becker, delving into their contributions and examining core principles of the theory, such as the 'self-fulfilling prophecy', the distinction between 'primary' and 'secondary deviance', and the idea of 'master status'. A critical evaluation of the theory will also be undertaken, discussing its strengths and addressing criticisms, particularly its perceived overemphasis on societal reactions to deviance.
"Photograph of Lower Manhattan showcasing the One World Trade Center, as viewed from a ferry on the Hudson River. The skyscraper dominates the skyline, standing tall amidst surrounding buildings. The water of the Hudson River is visible in the foreground.The image captures the urban landscape and might include elements like the blue sky or other buildings, offering a perspective of the city's architecture and its relationship with the natural environment of the river."

Welcome to Week 12!

Happy Monday!

This week we are focusing on social control theories. Unit 12 contains all the learning materials. Please make sure to participate in the discussion forum for Week 12. I have noticed very low participation in the previous discussion. …

An image with text: Crimnilogy Week 12

WEEK 12 (11/13 to 11/19): Social Control Theories

This week's exploration into social control theories delves into the intricate balance between innate desires and societal constraints. These theories challenge the traditional view of criminality by suggesting that the propensity for deviant behavior is universal and that compliance with societal norms is a result of external and internal controls rather than a lack of criminal inclination.
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Welcome to Week 11!

We are in Week 11, with four weeks left to the end of the semester. This week we are focusing on theories that suggest that we learn to commit crime the same way we learn other things, like riding a bike. There is a discussion forum that asks you to link the differential association with the recent news of the criminal conviction of Sam Bankman Fried.

WEEK 11 (11/6 to 11/12): The Social Learning Theories

This week's unit on Social Learning Theories promises to be both engaging and insightful, as we delve into the nuances of how criminal behavior is not just an individual choice but often a learned one. Our exploration will take us through a comparative analysis of learning theories of crime and how they differ from other criminological perspectives, which often focus on biological, economic, or psychological factors.
On blue background, text Criminology Week 10

WEEK 10 (10/30 to 11/5): Chicago School and the Theory of Social Disorganization

This week, we delve deep into the realm of the Chicago School of Criminology, a pioneering theoretical branch that has significantly shaped our understanding of urban crime. Rooted in the early 20th century, this school of thought emphasizes the profound influence of neighborhood-level variables on crime rates, challenging the conventional focus on individual criminal behavior.
WEEK 9

Welcome to Week 9!

Dear students,

We are focusing on theories of Anomie this week. Please make sure to study the unit and participate in the discussion forum. There are about 13 students who have not completed the second assignment. Please get in touch …

Discussion Forum 9: Does Economic Inequality Harm Societies?

Please share your thoughts on whether you agree with Wilkinson's perspective on the relationship between economic inequality and societal well-being. Additionally, consider how this topic connects with our exploration of Durkheim's anomie theory. How might economic inequality exacerbate feelings of normlessness and drive criminal behavior, as Durkheim and Merton suggest? Let's engage in a meaningful discussion on this important topic.

U.S. Secret Service Special Agent, October 26 Event

U.S. Secret Service Special Agent to Discuss Career Opportunities at October 25 Event 
The BMCC Center for Career Development and the Alumni Relations Office will host Jahir Blanton, Special Agent, U.S. Secret Service for an in-person presentation and networking event …

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Welcome to Week 8!

Believe it or not, but you are halfway done with our online criminology! This week's unit introduces the idea that criminologists should consider W.E.B. DuBois as a pioneering criminologist, in addition to being a pioneering sociologist. Learn about his ideas about crime by studying the materials. Also, engage in the discussion forum.

WEEK 8 (10/16 to 10/22): W.E.B. Du Bois and Criminology

This week, our attention will be centered on the profound influence of W.E.B. Du Bois in the realm of criminology. Although Du Bois is more widely recognized for his contributions to sociology, civil rights, and African American history, his insights into the field of criminology remain significant and oftentimes overlooked. A clear example of this is his seminal work, "The Philadelphia Negro." In this detailed study, Du Bois delved into the socio-economic conditions faced by Black Philadelphians at the turn of the century. He made astute observations linking the migration of former slaves to urban environments, which they found foreign and challenging, as a potential catalyst for criminal activities. Additionally, he posited that the immediate aftermath of Emancipation, while a pivotal moment in Black history, also inadvertently led to increased crime due to the abrupt socio-political changes and the challenges of integration.
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Quiz 2 issues, please re-take it

Dear students,

Turns out that when I changed the settings for Quiz 2, it stopped marking the wrong answers. So for students, it looked like they got all the answers correct but not all the points. I am going to …

Welcome to Week 7!

Dear students,

We are in the new week! This week starts on Tuesday. A new unit is posted as well as a new discussion forum. Please participate in the discussion and study the materials in the unit.

Quiz 2 window …