CRIM 490: Special Topics

CRIM 490-001: Firearms Law, Policy &Politics
(Spring 2020)

03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR

Planetary Hall 120

Section Information for Spring 2020

The goal of the course is to educate students about the issues surrounding gun ownership, gun crime, gun control, and other efforts to reduce gun violence in American society.  We will explore the social consequences of gun ownership and examine the extent and effectiveness of society’s efforts to control gun violence, highlighting research on these issues and the implications of this research for public policy.  In the process, the course will seek to help students develop more perspective in assessing policy positions related to firearms and become better informed as practitioners, policymakers, and voters. Key topics for discussion will include:  the 2nd amendment and its interpretation; patterns and trends in gun ownership and gun violence (including mass shootings); the social costs and benefits of gun availability; federal and state gun regulations; the operations of illegal gun markets and efforts to disrupt them; efforts to suppress illegal gun use; the effectiveness of gun control and other efforts to prevent gun violence and mass shootings; public opinion about gun control; and political aspects of the policymaking process.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 1-3

Recent developments in the field. Notes: Topics vary. May be used to fulfill requirements for different concentrations in the BS in criminology, law, and society depending on the topic. May be repeated when topic is different. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 15 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: CRIM 100
Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.