CRIM-102 Criminology
This course introduces students to the basic theories, fundamental facts, and problems associated with the science of criminology, while providing a systematic basis for the study of criminals and criminal behavior as it relates to the criminal justice system in America.
Hours Weekly
3 hours weekly
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify the major theories of "crime causation" including classical, neoclassical, and positivist.
- 2. Describe the characteristics of each theory and the major limitations associated with each.
- 3. Differentiate between the major biological, psychological and sociological explanations.
- 4. Critically analyze contemporary theories of crime causation in light of empirical evidence.
- 5. Examine demographic factors as they relate to crime rates.
- 6. Distinguish between different types of crimes and categories of criminal behavior.
- 7. Relate crime causation theory to specific types of crime.
- 8. Identify and employ the methods of criminology including survey analysis, observation,
experimentation, and the use of official criminal justice statistics. - 9. Examine public policy decisions as they relate to causation theory.
- 10. Construct a composite theory of crime causation and relate it to specified case studies.
Course Objectives
- 1. Identify the major theories of "crime causation" including classical, neoclassical, and positivist.
- 2. Describe the characteristics of each theory and the major limitations associated with each.
- 3. Differentiate between the major biological, psychological and sociological explanations.
- 4. Critically analyze contemporary theories of crime causation in light of empirical evidence.
- 5. Examine demographic factors as they relate to crime rates.
- 6. Distinguish between different types of crimes and categories of criminal behavior.
- 7. Relate crime causation theory to specific types of crime.
- 8. Identify and employ the methods of criminology including survey analysis, observation,
experimentation, and the use of official criminal justice statistics. - 9. Examine public policy decisions as they relate to causation theory.
- 10. Construct a composite theory of crime causation and relate it to specified case studies.