This module is a resource for lecturers

Possible class structure

This section contains recommendations for a teaching sequence and timing intended to achieve learning outcomes through a three-hour class. The lecturer may wish to disregard or shorten some of the segments below in order to give more time to other elements, including introduction, icebreakers, conclusion or short breaks. The structure could also be adapted for shorter or longer classes, given that the class durations vary across countries.

  • Pre-class activity (time varies): Assign students to watch The Preppie Connection (2015).
  • (In-class) Ice-breaker (10-15 minutes): Ask students questions about the film. (Discussion questions provided in this Module). Divide students in small groups and ask them to chart the (structural) model of the criminal organization portrayed in the film.
  • Give a brief lecture about different structural models of organized criminal groups based on the Module narrative and recommended readings (25-35 minutes).
  • Use some discussion questions (provided in the Module) to generate a debate about the topics covered in the Module (20-25 minutes).
  • Break (10 minutes)
  • Administer and evaluate Quiz 7 (45 minutes): Give students 15 minutes to take the quiz (10 questions; sample questions are provided in the assessment section of this Module). Students can work in pairs to grade the quiz. They exchange quizzes and grade each other's results. Instructor asks individual students to read questions and discuss possible answers. This activity is expected to help students analyse the mistakes and learn from interaction with each other. For shorter class periods, quizzes may be assigned to students to be completed before class. For this particular format, it is recommended that instructors use an online learning management system (e.g., Blackboard, Compass, Moodle, etc.) to administer the quiz. After students take the quiz online, instructor can ask students questions from the quiz in a form of an icebreaker activity in the beginning of the next class.
  • Assign one of the research and independent study assignments (provided in the Module) as homework for the next class.
  • Midterm: It is recommended that students take a midterm exam at this point. The exam covers the content of Modules 1-7 (inclusive). The midterm exam may consist of a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. The exam may be administered in class or online. As an alternative, the midterm exam may be assigned as a take-home exam. This format may work particularly well for essay and research assignments.

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