Criminology Goes to the Movies

This course will examine the history and application of criminological theory through the portrayal of criminal behavior in film. Students will use readings and weekly viewing assignments to reveal how academic and popular explanations of crime have evolved over the past century. Classic films such as Frankenstein and Psycho as well as more current fare like the The Town and Black Panther will be used in this examination. Special attention will be payed to the reflective nature of popular films as they are both influenced by and influence public opinion surrounding the causes of criminal behavior. Finally, the course will address how these explanations vary based on race, gender, and the socioeconomic status of those being portrayed.