CRIJ 230 Patterns of Criminal Behavior

This course will focus on providing an introduction to forensic psychology through broad survey of representative topics. Forensic psychology is an interdisciplinary field that applies scientifically derived knowledge about behavior and cognition to the legal system. Topics to be covered in this course include psychopathy, judicial sentencing, assessing and predicting criminal violence, theoretical perspectives of aggression, domestic violence, sexual offending, female and juvenile offenders, and the insanity defense.

Credits

3

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

48

General Education Competency

[GE Core type]

CRIJ 230Patterns of Criminal Behavior

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

General Education Competency

[GE Core type]

Credit Hours Narrative

3

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

48

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

N

III. Catalog Course Description

This course will focus on providing an introduction to forensic psychology through broad survey of representative topics. Forensic psychology is an interdisciplinary field that applies scientifically derived knowledge about behavior and cognition to the legal system. Topics to be covered in this course include psychopathy, judicial sentencing, assessing and predicting criminal violence, theoretical perspectives of aggression, domestic violence, sexual offending, female and juvenile offenders, and the insanity defense.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

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

• List and explain at least five the biological, psychological, and sociological theories of criminal behavior.
• Identify and describe the four main types of offenders such as violent, nonviolent, juvenile, and mental illness.
• Identify and describe at least 5 types of criminal behavior.
• Know and understand the justice system approaches to criminals and criminal behavior.

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

Biological Theories of Crime and Criminal Behavior Psychological Theories of Crime and Criminal Behavior Sociological Theories of Crime Social- Psychological Theories Violent Crime and Criminals Nonviolent Crimes and Criminals Juvenile Delinquency Mental Illness Policing The Legal System The Correctional System

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Assignments

Participation in class discussions Theory Research Paper Chapter readings and written summaries of chapter content

Required Exams

Chapter Quizzes Unit Exams

Required Text

Criminal Behavior: A System’s Approach, Bruce A. Arrigo (Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006)

Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements

Participation in class discussions Theory Research Paper Chapter readings and written summaries of chapter content Chapter Quizzes Unit Exams