RSOS2804 – Policing, “zero-tolerance” and human rights

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

Starting from James Q. Wilson’s and George L. Kelling’s article ”Broken Windows” (1982), the course takes the students through various theoretical, empirical and normative aspects of “Broken Windows” or “zero-tolerance” policing.

Learning outcome

At the end of the course, the students will have up-date knowledge on the following topics:

  • Is the “Broken Windows” theory true?
  • Is reduced crime in U.S. cities explained by the fact that police organisations have adopted “zero-tolerance” policing methods?
  • Does the New York model and other “Broken Windows”-based schemes violate the basic rights of citizens?
  • How should “Broken Windows” or “zero-tolerance” policing be situated in a wider social and political context?

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.

Teaching

Seminars

Examination

Type-written essay (max 10 pages) on a topic of your own choice (yet approved by course teacher). Grading: A - F.

Resit an examination

Withdrawal from an examination

It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.

Facts about this course

Credits
10
Teaching

No scheduled teaching semester.

Examination

No scheduled examination semester.

Teaching language
Norwegian (English on request)