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
- Identify the major theories of "crime causation" including classical, neoclassical, and positivist.
- Describe the characteristics of each theory and the major limitations associated with each.
- Differentiate between the major biological, psychological and sociological explanations.
- Critically analyze contemporary theories of crime causation in light of empirical evidence.
- Examine demographic factors as they relate to crime rates.
- Distinguish between different types of crimes and categories of criminal behavior.
- Relate crime causation theory to specific types of crime.
- Identify and employ the methods of criminology including survey analysis, observation,
experimentation, and the use of official criminal justice statistics. - Examine public policy decisions as they relate to causation theory.
- Construct a composite theory of crime causation and relate it to specified case studies.
Course Objectives
- Identify the major theories of "crime causation" including classical, neoclassical, and positivist.
- Describe the characteristics of each theory and the major limitations associated with each.
- Differentiate between the major biological, psychological and sociological explanations.
- Critically analyze contemporary theories of crime causation in light of empirical evidence.
- Examine demographic factors as they relate to crime rates.
- Distinguish between different types of crimes and categories of criminal behavior.
- Relate crime causation theory to specific types of crime.
- Identify and employ the methods of criminology including survey analysis, observation,
experimentation, and the use of official criminal justice statistics. - Examine public policy decisions as they relate to causation theory.
- Construct a composite theory of crime causation and relate it to specified case studies.