The nature, extent, and correlates of crime; theories of criminal behavior and victimization.
Athena Title
Criminology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in SOCI 3810E, SOCI 3810H, SOCI 3810W
Prerequisite
SOCI 1101 or SOCI 1101E or SOCI 1101H or SOCI 2600 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
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.
Topical Outline
The Definition of Crime
Crime Statistics
Patterns of Criminal Behavior
Social Characteristics of Offenders
Social Characteristics of Victims
Theories of Crime
Institutional Competencies
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.
