Revised 2/2024
ADJ 201 - Criminology (3 CR.)
Course Description
Studies current and historical data pertaining to criminal and other deviant behavior. Examines theories that explain crime and criminal behavior in human society. 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 criminal behavior.
Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
None.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Display the impact of crime on victims, private business, and government institutions using
historical data. - Describe the role of criminal justice agencies and the citizenry in combating the crime threat.
- Differentiate between the different types of crime such as, organized crime, white-collar
crime, property crime, persons crime, and public order crime. - Differentiate and assess major theories of crime causation in society.
Major Topics to Be Included
- Explain the extent and problem of crime in American society.
- Describe various methodologies of crime measurement using historical data.
- Examine theories of criminal causation (biological, psychological, and sociological).
- Review victims of crime (victimology).
- Examine various types of interpersonal violence in society.
- Examine property crime.
- Define and discuss the issues associated with public order crime.
- Define and review organized crime.
- Define and discuss the causation of white-collar crime.
- Describe the differences between professional and amateur criminals.
- Examine the effectiveness of punishment and rehabilitation.
Optional Topics
The course may include related topics at the discretion of the instructor.