Unless otherwise noted, all assignments are due on Sunday of the assigned week by 11:59 p.m. EST.
August 23, 2022
Course Introduction
August 25, 2022
Why Are We So Fascinated with Mass Shootings?
No Reading
Assignment: Blog # 1
August 30, 2022
Putting Mass Shootings in Context
Read Can Mass Shootings be Stopped? To Address the Problem, We Must Better Understand the Phenomenon (Schildkraut, 2021)
September 1, 2022
An Overview of April 20, 1999
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 1
September 6, 2022
The Columbine Legacy
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 2
September 8, 2022
Assignment: Blog # 2
Infographic Topics Due for Approval (by email)
September 13, 2022
The Media Coverage of Mass Shootings
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 3
Class Guest: Amanda Crawford, UConn / Media Journalist
September 15, 2022
The Media Coverage of Mass Shootings
In-Class Activity # 1
(Crisis Communications)
September 20, 2022
Law Enforcement Response Practices
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 4
Class Guest: Dr. Hunter Martaindale, Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center
September 22, 2022
Law Enforcement Response Practices
Read ALERRT After Action Report: Robb Elementary School Attack Response Assessment and
Assignment: Blog # 3
September 27, 2022
No Class - Research Day
(Dr. S. at Conference)
September 29, 2022
Threat Assessment and Warning Signs
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 5
In-Class Activity # 2
(Know the Signs)
October 4, 2022
School Safety and Security
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 6
October 6, 2022
School Safety and Security
In-Class Activity # 3
(Product Pitch)
October 11, 2022
Public Opinion and Mass Shootings
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 7
October 13, 2022
Public Opinion and Mass Shootings
Assignment: Infographic
October 18, 2022
Legislative Responses to Mass Shootings
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 8
Class Guest: Kelly Drane, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence
October 20, 2022
Legislative Responses to Mass Shootings
In-Class Activity # 4
(Dear Congress)
Assignment: Blog # 4
October 25, 2022
Survivors of Mass Shootings
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 9
Class Guest: Rev. Sharon Risher
October 27, 2022
Survivors of Mass Shootings
In-Class Activity # 5
(Dear Survivor)
(Optional) Course Paper Draft Due
November 1, 2022
Making Shooters (In)Famous
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 10
November 3, 2022
Profiling School and Mass Shooters
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 11
NOTE: In-Person Class Meeting Canceled for Mark Follman Event at 5:30 pm (132 MCC)
Assignment: Blog # 5
November 8, 2022
Mass Shootings and Popular Culture
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 12
In-Class Activity # 6
(As Seen on TV)
November 10, 2022
Beyond the Columbine Effect
Read Columbine, 20 Years Later: Chapter 13
Assignment: Blog # 6
November 15, 2022
Students' Choice
November 17, 2022
Course Wrap-Up
November 22, 2022
No Class - Thanksgiving Break
November 24, 2022
No Class - Thanksgiving Break
November 29, 2022
No Class - Research Day
(Dr. S. at Conference)
December 1, 2022
No Class - Research Day
(Dr. S. at Conference)
December 6, 2022
Final Exam Period
No Class
December 8, 2022
Final Exam Period
Final Course Paper Draft Due in Brightspace
(Upload by 11:59 pm)