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.
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
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
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
48
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
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.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Define criminology as a field of study.
- Summarize and explain crime and deviance.
- Explain the evolving science of criminology.
- Define and explain evidence-based criminology.
- Explain and distinguish the Classical and Neoclassical schools of criminological thought.
- Describe and compare the biological theories as they relate to criminal causation.
- Describe and compare the psychological and psychiatric schools of criminal behavior.
- Describe and compare the social structure theories in regard to criminal causation.
- Describe and compare the social process and social development theories in relation to criminal behavior.
- Describe and compare the social conflict theories of criminal causation.
- Identify and define the various crimes against persons.
- Evaluate crime rates and crime reporting methodologies in regard to the crimes against persons.
- Identify and define the various crimes against property.
- Evaluate crime rates and crime reporting methodologies in regard to crimes against property.
- Define and explain the various types of white-collar crime and organized crime.
- Describe the causes of white-collar and organized crime.
- Examine the historical development of drug crimes and crimes against public order.
- Explain how technology has impacted crime and law enforcement activities.
- Summarize 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