HST 3277 - History of Murder in America (4)

Oakland University, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of History

Syllabus

Course Information:
CRN: 45366
Campus: Main Campus
Schedule Type: Lecture

Monday,Wednesday,Friday

01:20 PM - 02:27 PM

Main Campus Campus | Elliott Hall | Room 210

This course follows the history of American murder, from the legal system’s origins in British Common Law, to the present. Over the course of the semester we’ll explore what conditions have led murder rates to rise and fall, why that murder rate is uniquely American, evolving views about murderers and murder victims, and the history of representaitons of murder in popular culture. Due to the nature of the class we will be reading texts and see some images that are of a graphic violent nature. Prerequisites/Comments: WRT 1060 (formerly WRT 160) or equivalent with a grade of C (2.0) or higher. Formerly HST 3909.

Professor Information:
Instructor: Erin Dwyer

dwyer@oakland.edu

Office 409 Varner Hall

Office Hours: Mondays 9:30-10:30, or by appointment

Office Phone: 248-370-3519

Learning Outcomes:
1. Evaluate primary and secondary source evidence, and know how to use concrete evidence to support oral and written arguments.

2. Form oral and written arguments.

3. Develop media literacy.

4. Contextualize knowledge to better understand the role of major historical events and of gender, race, class, and sexuality in the history of murder in America.

Textbooks and Materials:
Roger Lane, Introduction to Murder in America: A History, (Ohio State University Press, 1997)

Truman Capote, In Cold Blood: A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences, (New York: Vintage International, 2012) Note: Be sure to buy this specific edition.

In addition to the required textbooks you are required to read a number of other articles, chapter excerpts from books, and primary sources. These sources can be found on Moddle when it says “On Moodle,” or at the URL that I list on your syllabus.

Assignments and Grading:
24%: participation and attendance

1%: plagiarism tutorial

15%: 4, 2-3 page response papers

15%: midterm exam

15%: 5-7 page paper

10%: in-class essay

20%: final paper proposal and final paper

Attendance Policy:
Attendance is a crucial component of your participation grade. You are allotted 3 unexcused absences. Absences may be excused if there is a medical reason, family emergency or extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control

Classroom and University Policies