COURSE DESCRIPTION

Surveys the volume and scope of crime; considers a variety of theories developed to explain the causation of crime and criminality. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an awareness of the multi-faceted nature of crime in contemporary culture, and to provide insight into how the criminal justice system, with citizen cooperation, is dealing with illegal behavior.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

None

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

A. familiarize him/herself with the different varieties of crime, such as organized crime, white collar crime, etc

B. show the impact of crime on victims, private business, and government institutions

C. study the role of the criminal justice agencies and the citizenry in combating the crime threat

A. Extent of crime problem

B. How crime is reported to police

C. Theories of criminal causation

D. Victims of crime (victimology)

E. Crimes of violence

F. Drunkenness, drug abuse, prostitution

G. Property crime

H. Organized crime

I. White collar crime

J. The professional criminal

K. Punishment/rehabilitation of offender

L. Juvenile crime

M. Crime prevention

Related topics at the discretion of the instructor

Revised 9/99