Investigating The Jack The Ripper Case: Engaging Students In A Criminal Investigations Class Through Active Learning

Abstract

The present study examines the utilization of a class project involving the Jack the Ripper murders. Students enrolled in a criminal investigations class were required to investigate the five canonical murders associated with the infamous serial killer known as Jack the Ripper and the murders that occurred in London during 1888. This paper explains the project and how students perceived the project. A brief survey of student perceptions regarding the project indicate that overall students thought the project was an excellent active learning experience. The project has excellent potential for active learning applications in others courses as well such as criminology, a special topics course about violent offenders or perhaps a forensic psychology class.