CJA 200 Introduction to Criminology

An introductory, interdisciplinary survey of the study of crime, criminal behavior, and the application of theory to crime prevention and offender treatment. Topics include the development of criminological thought; social and legal definitions and classifications of crime; social, cultural, psychological, biological, political, and economic theories of criminal behavior; the uses and limitations of empirical research methods to the study of crime; and the influence of criminological theory on public policy.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Recommended: WR 121Z

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Describe the most influential philosophical and theoretical explanations of crime and delinquency
2. Explain how historical, political, and social forces influenced the development of criminological thought
3. Describe the major trends and patterns of crime in the United States and the primary methods used to measure and study crime and delinquency
4. Identify the demographics and social conditions associated with crime and delinquency
5. Assess the relevance and utility of specific criminological theories as applied to specific forms of crime and delinquency
6. Critically evaluate criminal justice policies based on a knowledge and understanding of the causes and correlates of crime and delinquency