Teaching Philosophy

I impress upon my students the academic nature of criminology, criminal justice studies, and the sociology of deviance by grounding my discussions in theory, methods of study, and the role of empiricism in influencing historical and conventional perspectives on the issues covered in class.  I have high academic standards for students and make these expectations known through my class mantra: “maximum challenge and maximum support.”  I embrace this pedagogical mentality because academic rigor is essential to preserving and maintaining the integrity of the university, the department, and the discipline.  I am aware that many of my students will become police officers, parole and probation agents, judges, prosecutors, private/defense attorneys, and victim advocates.  As a result, I feel an immense obligation to ensure that they are exposed to a variety of macro-level issues that influence the perspectives and operations of the American criminal justice system and those who become part of it as victims, social service advocates, justice professionals, and offenders.

Courses Routinely Taught

Courts and Criminal Law
Domestic Violence
Gender, Crime, and Justice
Victimology