Academic Teaching Experience

Kenneth believes students learn best when they are engaged in the learning process. He facilitates an active learning process and encourages student participation. His academic training is highly focused on criminological theory and both quantitative and qualitative research methods that, coupled with the breadth of his professional and research experience, can be effectively applied to teach practically any topic within the criminal justice system.

He uses a variety of pedagogical approaches, including interactive lectures aided by PowerPoints, moderated classroom debates, group exercises, in-class presentations, and seminar discussions.  He even occasionally uses a game-show style format to fortify subject knowledge (this class is a big hit among students and one that they always remember!). He also taps into both his professional experience with the NYPD and his research experience to help pique student interest and reinforce key concepts and principles in the curriculum. 

The lessons are grounded in the application of theory and scientific methods. When appropriate, classes require a semester-long research project that is commensurate with the course skill-level. The project is divided into a series of smaller assignments that allow Kenneth to provide feedback to build critical skills as the class progresses, rather than waiting until the end of the semester when improvement may not be possible.

For undergraduate courses, each semester begins with a review of the scientific method, library research techniques, and how to properly cite academic resources. This lesson helps establish the importance of both theory and research techniques for all future classes. It also helps ensure that students who have deficiencies in these areas have the requisite baseline for success.

At the undergraduate level, Kenneth teaches “Introduction to the Criminal Justice System”.  This course introduces students to criminological theory and social science research, the legal system, and criminal justice institutions, including police, courts, and corrections. Along with discussing how each institution functions, major problems facing each institution are discussed, for example mass incarceration and bail-reform. He also teaches a variety of courses in policing and law enforcement.

Kenneth teaches courses in organized crime that provide an in-depth analysis of issues involving criminal organizations around the world, including race and ethnicity as an organizing principle, the social embeddedness of organized crime groups, and their ability to control societies and entrepreneurship. He addresses law enforcement techniques, government countermeasures, and specific challenges facing social scientists who seek to research global organized crime, and methodological ways to address them. He has also taught classes in international comparative criminal justice.