Course Description

The nature, extent, and correlates of crime; theories of criminal behavior and victimization.

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Athena Title

Criminology

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Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in SOCI 3810, SOCI 3810E, SOCI 3810H

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Non-Traditional Format

This version of the course will be taught as writing intensive, which means that the course will include substantial and ongoing writing assignments that a) relate clearly to course learning; b) teach the communication values of a discipline, for example, its practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and format; and c) prepare students for further writing in their academic work, in graduate school, and in professional life. The written assignments will result in a significant and diverse body of written work (the equivalent of 6000 words or 25 pages) and the instructor (and/or the teaching assistant assigned to the course) will be closely involved in student writing, providing opportunities for feedback and substantive revision.

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Prerequisite

SOCI 1101 or SOCI 1101E or SOCI 1101H or SOCI 2600 or permission of department

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Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

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Student learning Outcomes

• Students will learn about empirical patterns of crime (when, where, how, and by whom crime is committed), as well as the major theories of crime (why crime occurs).
• Students will analyze and describe the fundamental assumptions and causal mechanisms of theories of crime.
• Students will evaluate the applicability of theories of crime to everyday life based on the plausibility of assumptions and causal mechanisms.
• Students will compare major theories of crime to each other by analyzing their implications on public policy, justice, and the criminal legal system.
• Students will recognize theories of crime, evaluate how each explains crime, and describe strengths and weaknesses as they synthesize literature on these theories.
• Students will recognize a wide array of causes of crime that likely go beyond what they have learned from their own social circles. This requires reflecting on what the scientific record shows about causes and patterns of crime and how their worldview may be challenged by this. All of this occurs in the context of ethical considerations about crime and justice.

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Topical Outline

• The Definition of Crime
• Crime Statistics
• Patterns of Criminal Behavior
• Social Characteristics of Offenders
• Social Characteristics of Victims
• Theories of Crime

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Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes

Analytical Thinking

The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.

Critical Thinking

The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.

Social Awareness & Responsibility

The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.

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