Well, it is that time in the semester again: time for criminology limericks. So this semester I decided to do something a little different. I gave my students about 15 minutes at the end of class today to write their poems using criminological concepts. I told them that I would chose three of the best and post them to this blog and let you all choose the best of the best (I ended up selecting 4). I am giving the winning student an extra credit point, so my students are counting on your vote! Please comment on which one you like the best! Thanks!
Student AEveryone has the same goals in life;
We all want money, power, and maybe even a husband or wife.
The problem is that everyone’s opportunities are not the same,
Individuals are stressed, strained, and end up doing something lame.
These people turn to crime through illegitimate avenues and some even use a knife.
There was once a theorist who went by the name Merton.
The social structure of American society was to blame for crime he was certain.
Achieving wealth and status became the main goal,
But this just caused people to feel like they were stuck in a hole,
And in the end the whole American society ends up hurtin’
There was a rough side of the city,
Some of the buildings were quite shitty.
Because of the high turnover,
The buildings would often get looked over.
Crime now runs this community.
Hirschi and Gottfredson have a general theory of crime,
That if your parents rear you right they can save you in time.
Unfortunately for them it fails to explain,
Why white-collar criminals use their brain.
Perhaps their theory ain’t worth a dime.
11 comments:
Criminology class meets American Idol, eh? I like it, dawg!
Student B gets my vote. This student's limerick wins for me because it: (a) name-checks the theorist, (b) explains the main concept of the theory, and (c) shows creativity in rhyming "Merton" with "hurtin'".
That said.....only ONE extra credit point for the winner? Geez, Patch!
Hmmm... Tough call. I think I'll have to go with Student "C" for daring to use the word "shitty" in an official class project, along with sticking to the correct limerick pattern.
Also, after just completing a paper focusing on the social ecology of crime, I'm biased in that direction. :)
They should all get extra credit for extending this much effort for one measly extra credit point. That said, my vote is for Student D.
Seriously JP - I will personally throw in a king size candy bar for these efforts. It is also a great testament to your teaching. Theory is so hard for students and clearly they are getting it.
I vote for C, but I like them all.
I was a bit worried because the first three comments all voted for a different one! So far it looks like Velma is the tiebreaker - anyone else?
Yeah - it is only one extra credit point. But its not like they did this outside of class time. I gave each of the students 1 point if they did the assignment; I gave them 1 extra credit point if I chose to post it to this blog, and I am giving another extra credit point to the winner. Perhaps I will think about doing something next year where they can spend some time outside of class working on this which would justify more extra credit value...
Or you could just give them an assignment that would actually teach them something about crim theory and save the poetry for comp classes.
But that's just me...
I'd vote B for showing they understand Merton's theory and for busting out a good rhyme. C isn't bad, but they lose some style points for trying to try "city" and "shitty" with "community".
Student D is a genius. That's some fine work.
NYKid,
I like "D" as well, but I think G&H would argue that their theory DOES explain white collar crime. After all, even those in the upper classes can have low self-control.
Thanks a lot - now I have a three way tie. Maybe I'll give Student A the extra credit simply because none of you liked her limerick. Blast. This is a conspiracy...
I like B, much for the same reasons as Amandabear. I could teach the class all about Merton straight from that limerick. It's brilliant. And it's hip. Or rad. Or whatever.
On another note, Patch may be stingy with extra credit points, but always gives candy/chocolate to his class while teaching about positive reinforcement. He is the man.
Hello all,
A computer-science friend of mine loved hearing about this, and wanted to submit his own:
Limerick 1:
Some cops on the beat can be slanted
Since they just want convictions granted
They know they are trusted
More than those they've busted
So crime evidence can often be planted.
Limerick 2:
In the problematics of crime study
You get to see scenes that are bloody
If that makes you queasy
Your job won't be easy
So it's better to send in your buddy.
I like them. They are fun. So, enjoy!
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