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.
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
Credit Hours Narrative
3 Credtis
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
48
Grading Method
Letter grade
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