Description
Popular culture and media is often an effective way to study certain phenomena and fraud and white-collar crime is no different. There are many good examples of white-collar crime depicted in film – some are dramatizations of actual events and others are purely fictional. In either case, many of these films can be an effective way to consider concepts such as moral ambiguity, immoral and illegal conduct, victimization, enforcement, policy, and jurisprudence. In addition, the ongoing daily news stream also contains an abundance of stories and depictions of fraud cases and the criminals that commit them.
You mission in this discussion/assignment is three-fold:
1) Watch and analyze a movie depicting fraud or white-collar crime – Each student will select a film from a list provided:
Fraud & White-Collar Crime Movie List
This list, while not necessarily comprehensive, provides a starting point for films
that have portrayed white-collar crime and/or fraud. Many of these films provide a
virtual experience through which we often relate to characters and are absorbed by
the dilemma(s) they face. Whether the film is based upon actual events or is purely
a work of fiction, films such as these can bring us to a deeper understanding of
white-collar crime, the conduct and character of the perpetrators, and the harm
done to the victims.
The Ascent of Money (documentary) (2008)
The Accountant (2016)
All the President’s Men (1976)
American Hustle (2013)
Arbitrage (2012)
Barbarians at the Gate (1993)
The Big Short (2015)
Boiler Room (2000)
Casino Jack (2010)
Casino Jack and the United States of Money (documentary) (2010)
Catch Me if You Can (2002)
Chasing Madoff (2010)
Chinatown (1974)
Duplicity (2009)
Firewall (2006)
Fun with Dick and Jane (1976)
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
The Informant! (2009)
Inside Job (documentary) (2010)
The Insider (1999)
Lord of War (2005)
Margin Call (2011)
Michael Clayton (2007)
Office Space (1999)
Owning Mahowny (2003)
Quiz Show (1994)
Rogue Trader (1999)
The Social Network (2010)
Too Big to Fail (dramatized documentary) (2011)
Wall Street (1987)
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
watch the film (you can rent it or stream it individually or with others), and write a thoughtful discussion post (approx. 1 page) exploring the film and the portrayal of fraud and/or white-collar crime (more details below).
2) Research and find a recent news story (during 2023) depicting a fraud case. Make sure you find an article with substantial detail of the fraud (or research it further). You will write a detailed post (approx. one page) summarizing and analyzing the case (again, more detail below).
3) Post four (4) thoughtful, in-depth responses to your fellow students’ posts (Two responding to movie summaries and two responding to news stories). These responses should be detailed, thoughtful, and show evidence of analysis and critical thinking. Pay particular attention to applying concepts learned during this course and from the textbook and other materials).
Examples of what you should consider in your movies and news story posts:
Synopsis of the film/news story; describe and analyze the fraud/crime committed
Overall white collar-theme or category
Description of the protagonist(s) and the dilemma he/she/they faced
Personality, conduct, and motivations of the perpetrator(s)
Components of the Fraud Triangle that may be present.
Application of other fraud theories, as appropriate
What harm resulted and who were the victims?
The specific offense at issue, including applicable laws
How was the offense prosecuted, defended, or adjudicated or how might it have been?
Other things you might consider:
Victimization and victim psychology
Moral ambiguity and societal response
Immoral and/or illegal conduct
Enforcement/Punishment – is it enough or too much?
Other observations or responses
Your paper will be graded based upon your summary of the applicable components and concepts of the film and news article, the application of course content, demonstration of critical thinking and analysis, and your ability to communicate all of this in a clear and concise manner.
