Course Description
Examines historical explanations of crime and criminal behavior, and addresses the social impact of crime, crime
prevention, and research into current issues.
Course Textbook(s)
Hagan, F. E., & Daigle, L. E. (2020). Introduction to criminology: Theories, methods, and criminal behavior (10th ed.).SAGE. https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781544365077
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Analyze the concepts of crime, criminal law, and criminology.2. Determine how crime data are used in criminology.
3. Explain the biological and psychological theories of criminal behavior.4. Evaluate the social structure and process approach used in criminal behavior theories.5. Differentiate between felony and misdemeanor crimes.
6. Distinguish property, personal, business, and institutional crime’s effect on society.7. Assess the effect of illegal drug activities and organized crime on legitimate business activities.8. Analyze the major components of the U.S. criminal justice system.
Prerequisite(s)
No prerequisite courses are required for enrollment in this course.