P422 Course Description

This course is designed to examine the interrelationship of the mass
media and crime.  Primary consideration will be given to portrayals
of crime and criminal justice in the print and television media,
with both the quantity and substance of historic and current images
of crime considered.  The course centers on a critical juxtaposition
of mass mediated crime images with crime and justice research.
Keeping the comparison of images of crime versus the reality of
crime and justice as a key theme, this course seeks to explore three
basic, although interdependent areas of concern from a variety of
viewpoints.  First, what role does crime play in the media industry,
or in other words, how do the media use crime?  Second, what is the
relationship between the mass media and public opinion concerning
crime and justice?  Finally, what role does the mass media play in
crime and justice policy?

Class meeting:  Thursday, 2:30-5;00, WH 104

Instructor:  Amy Kearns, criminal justice department