CRIJ 270 Criminology

This course is designed to inform students about the scientific study of crime and criminals. The following topics will be covered: defining and measuring crime, contemporary crime patterns and correlates, types of crime, and theories of criminal behavior. Students will also be exposed to various myths and misperceptions about crime and criminals.

Credits

3 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

CRIJ 270Criminology

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

Social Science

II. Course Specification

Course Type

Program Requirement

Credit Hours Narrative

3 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

III. Catalog Course Description

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Define and explain criminology as a field of study.
Summarize and explain the relationship between crime and deviance.
Explain the evolving science of criminology as it relates to crime causation, crime prevention, and victimization.
Define and explain the concept of evidence-based criminology.
Explain the underlying components of the Classical and Neoclassical schools of criminological and the relevant distinctions between the two schools of criminological thought.
Summarize and compare the various biological and psychobiological theories as they relate to criminal causation and the agency policies that may develop as a result.
Summarize and compare the psychological theories of criminal causation and define psychopathy, psychosis and psychopath.
Identify, describe and compare the prevailing social structure theories and their role in criminal causation.
Identify describe and compare the prevailing social process and social development theories and their potential role in criminal behavior.
Identify, describe and compare the prevailing social conflict theories and their role in the causation of criminal behavior.
Identify, define and explain the various crimes considered crimes against persons.
Explain how crime rates are calculated and the various reporting methodologies used to measure/report crimes against persons.
Identify, define explain the various crimes that considered crimes against property.
Explain how crime data is gathered and reported for to crimes against property.
Identify, explain, and contrast crimes considered white-collar crime and the criminal conduct that falls under the umbrella of organized crime.
Identify and explain the causes and typical perpetrators of both white-collar and organized crime.
Describe and explain the historical development of “drug crimes” and “crimes against public order”.
Explain how technology has created a new environment for criminal victimization and technology’s impact on traditional law enforcement activities.
Summarize and explain the impact of globalization and terrorism on law enforcement operations.

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

What is Criminology Where Do Theories Come From? Classical and Neoclassical Thought Biological Roots of Criminal Behavior Psychological and Psychiatric Foundations of Criminal Behavior Social Structure Theories Theories of Social Process and Social Development Social Conflict Theories Crimes Against Persons Crimes Against Property White-collar and Organized Crime Public Order and Drug Crimes Technology and Crime Globalization and Terrorism

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Assignments

Participation in classroom discussion and activity Chapter readings and written summaries of main topics

Required Exams

Chapter Quizzes Unit Exams

Required Text

Criminology Today, By Frank Schmalleger (6th Edition, Prentice Hall)

Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements

Participation in classroom discussion and activity Chapter readings and written summaries of main topics Chapter Quizzes Unit Exams