2024-2025 Catalog

CJU-333 Theories of Crime

The question "Why is there crime?" lies at the heart of this course.  This class will address what we mean by crime, who gets to define what crime is, how crime can be explained and how it can be reduced. Students will learn about many different theories of why there is crime in society, including sociobiological, psychological, and sociological theories, and how these theories form the basis of contemporary criminal justice policy. By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of where these theories came from, what their strengths and weaknesses are, whether they are supported by research findings, and what implications these theories have for improving community safety.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Student has satisfied all of the following Student has completed or is in process of completing 24 Credits And Student has satisfied all of the following Student has completed all of the following course(s) CJU 134 - Introduction to Criminal Justice And Student has satisfied all of the following Student has completed any of the following course(s) Undergraduate Criminal Justice Subject Courses Except CJU 134