Introduction to Criminology

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
CRIM 1150
Discontinued
No
Course Code
CRIM 1150
Descriptive
Introduction to Criminology
Department
Criminology
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
35
Contact Hours
Lecture: 4 hrs. per week / semester
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities

The course will employ a variety of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, including some of the following:  lectures, audio visual aids, small group discussions, research projects and presentations.

Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts and content of criminology, such as crime, criminal, delinquent, deviance, treatment, rehabilitation and victim. The position of criminology, its subject matter, and its relationships with other sciences will be examined. The relationships between theory, research, and practice are also included. The history and evolution of criminological thought through classical and modern theories will be critically analysed. Scientific foundations for a modern criminal justice policy will also be critically examined.
Course Content
  1. The Concepts of Crime and Deviance
  2. The Sources of Data on Crime
  3. The Costs and Consequences of Crime
  4. Correlates of Crime
  5. Criminal Victimization
  6. The Victim/Offender Relationship
  7. Legal, Social and Clinical Responses to Crime
  8. Criminal Justice Policy
  9. Theory and Requirements for Effective Theory
  10. History and Evolution of Criminological Theory
  11. The Classical School
  12. The Positivist School
  13. Biological Theories
  14. Psychological Theories
  15. Sociological Theories
  16. Emerging Focus of Criminology
Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course the successful student will be able to:

 

  1. Explain the nature and content of criminology as a social science.
  2. Explain the history and evolution of criminological thought.
  3. Critically analyse the elements of the classical and modern theories of criminology.
  4. Explain the criminological foundations of contemporary criminal policy.
  5. Compare and contrast the various perspectives on crime.
  6. Critically evaluate the various sources of crime data.
  7. Discuss current issues and trends in criminology.
  8. Research and critically evaluate criminological texts, periodicals, and media sources.
  9. Research and critically defend positions related to controversial topics in the field of criminology.
  10. Link theory to current issues and policies in the criminological context.
Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be based on the course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. This course will include multiple methods of evaluation including at least one written component.  The instructor will provide a written course outline with specific criteria during the first week of classes.

An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:

Written Components(s): (e.g. Essay, Policy or Case Analysis, Annotated Bibliography)

Tests: Midterm/Final or Multiple Tests throughout the term (which will include written components such as short answers/definitions or short/long essays, critique, case analysis)

Individual or Group Presentation

Attendance & Participation Tasks

An example of an evaluation scheme would be:

Exam I  20%
Exam II  20%
Term Paper  20%
Oral Presentation  10%
Class attendance/participation         10%
Final Exam  20%
Total 100%
Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

Texts will be updated periodically. Typical examples to choose from include:

 

O’Grady, William. (2011). Crime in Canadian Context – Debates and Controversies.  Don Mills:  Oxford University Press.

 

Sacco, Vincent F. (2011). The Criminal Event. An Introduction to Criminology in Canada. Scarborough: Nelson.

 

Schmalleger, Frank and Rebecca Volk. (2014). Canadian Criminology Today. Theories and Applications. Don Mills:

Pearson.

Which Prerequisite

CRIM 2140, 2253, 2254, 3310, 3340, 3355, 3356, 3370, 3376, 3385, 4410, 4420, 4470