2021-2022 College Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 College Catalog [Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

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CRJ 2153 - Criminology

3 Credits
An interdisciplinary course which examines the nature and origins of criminal behavior and societal reactions to that behavior. Included are biological, psychological and sociological theories of criminal behavior; formal responses of societal control agencies, and informal responses of communities, groups, and individuals in society. Also included are current research and trends in crime control policies and programs.

Pre or Corequisite: CRJ 1103 - Introduction To Criminal Justice*  

Course Level Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Utilize correct English spelling and grammar conventions as applicable in discussion posts, essays, reports, academic papers, oral presentations, and other submissions for grade in this course. (PLO 1, 2)
2. Analyze competing theories that attempt to explain the causes of criminal behavior to evaluate their application to major sources of data on crime trends and patterns, to determine which theories accurately explain crime in our society. (PLO 3, 5, 6)
3. Evaluate the historical evolution of criminology, by analyzing biological, sociological and psychological theory relating to different historical periods in our society, to determine the areas where these theories should be applied or accepted, and those areas where a particular theory has been shown to be invalid. (PLO 3, 5, 6)
4. Analyze how social context impacts thought concerning crime and its causes, and how it affects our responses to criminal behavior, by evaluating different cultural views of crime, and how those differing views dictate a wide disparity in how different cultures or societies respond to criminal behavior. (PLO 3, 5, 6)
5. Evaluate the generally accepted definitions and descriptions of psychopathy to determine if the concept is valid or is outdated considering current psychological and sociological guidelines. Students will expand the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ definition of Antisocial Personality Disorder to determine differences, if any, between white collar psychopaths, sociopaths and criminal psychopaths. (PLO 3, 5, 6)
6. Evaluate mass murder incidents in schools, workplaces, and other settings by analyzing current research on these incidents, to determine appropriate societal responses to mass murder. (PLO 3, 5, 6)



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