CJ 101 Criminology

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Covers the development and conceptualization of crime, including historical perspective, social and legal definitions, and classifications. Includes an overview of criminology, research, data gathering, and analysis. Introduces major theoretical perspectives on the nature of crime, criminals, and victimization. Identifies current trends and patterns of crime typologies as well as societal and institutional responses.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe the historical development of the concept of crime and criminology.
Describe and critique the primary research methods used in the gathering of criminological data.
Apply major criminological theoretical paradigms to field applications in criminology.
Describe the primary crime typologies and their recent trends and patterns.
Describe societal responses to crime patterns and perceptions, as well as their implications.

Content Outline

The Concept of Crime and Criminology
- History of Criminology
- Key Components of Criminology
- Defining Crime
- Research Methods
Data Collection, Methodology, and Crime Trends and Patterns
- Methods of Data Collection
- Evaluation of Crime Data
- Crime Trends and Patterns
- Issues and Limitations of Data
Crime Victims
- Loss, Pain, and Suffering
- Nature of Victimization
- Theories of Victimization
- Responding to the Victim’s Needs
Classical Criminology-Choice Theory
- Concepts of Rational Choice
- Situational Crime Prevention
- Deterrence
- Incapacitation as Punishment
Biological and Psychological Theories-Trait Theory
Sociological Theories
Conflict Theories
Integrated Theories and Concepts
Crime Typologies
- Violent Crime
- Property Crime
- White Collar and Organized Crime
- Public Order Crimes