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.

Credits

3

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.