SOC 104 Tabloid Justice: Causes & Consequences of Crime Sensationalism

3 hours 

This course challenges students to examine their own perceptions and understandings of contemporary crime-related problems through the sociological study of sensationalistic media coverage of crimes, scandals, and disasters. Using international examples, it explores the history of sensationalism, how it has evolved over time with technological and economic changes in the media landscape, and why it continues to matter to justice advocates. It examines how sensationalism shapes public fears, reinforces social divisions in society, and affects public perceptions of justice and public confidence in the criminal justice system.