Law and Literature of Crime

This seminar explores several fundamental issues in the theory of criminal law using literary examples and insights. The first topic is the question of what should be criminalized; the question of when a private act becomes a matter of urgent public concern. Secondly, we assess the adequacy of the legal picture of the human mind and experience, using what we know about the complexity of psychological states. We also consider ethics in the context of trial practice and modes of punishment. Among the authors included in the course are Camus, Hawthorne, Kafka, and Burgess.

Course Schedule

  • Date: Wednesday 3:30-5:30PM; Friday 10:30-12:30AM
  • Location: KT 205

Course Information

  • Catalog number-Section number: 892-01
  • Course Type: Seminar
  • Prerequisites: May Satisfy Writing Req.
  • Credits (min/max): 3/3
  • Notes: This course meets for 7 weeks.
  • Subjects:

Enrollment

  • Enrollment status: Closed
  • Current enrollment/capacity: 18/18
  • Reserve population/capacity: 0/0
  • Waitlist enrollment/capacity: 3/20

Grading

  • Grade basis: Graded
  • Satisifies Writing Requirement: UCWR
  • Exam type: NO EXAM