Criminology

Unit 1 – Criminology: Definitions and Methods

Unit 2 – Crime Data and Victimization Surveys

Unit 3 – Classical and Neoclassical Criminology

Unit 4 – Biological & Psychological Crime Theories

Unit 5 – Sociological Theories: Structure & Process

Unit 6 – Developmental Theories of Crime

Unit 7 – Violent Crime – Homicide, Assault, and Robbery

Unit 8 – Property and White-Collar Crime

Unit 9 – Organized Crime and Gangs

Unit 10 – Victimology: Patterns and Relationships

Unit 11 – Juvenile Delinquency and Justice

Unit 12 – Policing – History, Strategies, and Challenges

Unit 13 – Courts: Structure, Process, and Sentencing

Unit 14 – Prisons, Corrections, and Rehabilitation

Unit 15 – Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategies

Unit 16 – Contemporary Issues in Criminology Policy

## What do you learn in Criminology

Criminology digs into why people commit crimes and how society responds. You'll explore theories about criminal behavior, learn about the criminal justice system, and analyze crime patterns. The class covers everything from serial killers to white-collar crime, looking at psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence criminal activity.

## Is Criminology hard?

Criminology can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The toughest part is wrapping your head around all the theories and keeping track of different crime stats. Some of the readings can be dense, and you'll need to think critically about complex social issues. But if you're into true crime podcasts or crime shows, you'll probably find it pretty interesting.

## Tips for taking Criminology in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Stay on top of current events - real-world examples make concepts easier to grasp
3. Form a study group to discuss theories and debate controversial topics
4. Take good notes during lectures, especially when discussing case studies
5. Watch documentaries like "The Innocent Man" or "The Staircase" to see criminology concepts in action
6. Read "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander for insights on mass incarceration
7. Practice applying theories to real crime cases - it'll help you ace essays and exams

## Common pre-requisites for Criminology

Introduction to Sociology: This class covers basic sociological concepts and theories. You'll learn about social structures, institutions, and how society shapes human behavior.

Introduction to Psychology: In this course, you'll explore the fundamentals of human behavior and mental processes. It's a great foundation for understanding criminal psychology.

## Classes similar to Criminology

Criminal Justice: This class focuses on the system that deals with crime, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. You'll learn about the nuts and bolts of how society responds to criminal behavior.

Forensic Psychology: Here, you'll explore the intersection of psychology and the legal system. It covers topics like criminal profiling, eyewitness testimony, and the psychology of criminal behavior.

Victimology: This course examines the role and experiences of crime victims. You'll learn about victim rights, support services, and how victimization impacts individuals and communities.

Juvenile Delinquency: This class looks at youth crime, its causes, and society's responses. You'll explore theories about why young people commit crimes and learn about the juvenile justice system.

## Majors related to Criminology

Criminal Justice: Focuses on the systems and institutions that deal with crime and punishment. Students learn about law enforcement, courts, and corrections, preparing for careers in various aspects of the justice system.

Sociology: Examines human social behavior, interactions, and institutions. Students study social problems, including crime, and learn to analyze societal issues from various perspectives.

Psychology: Explores human behavior and mental processes. Students learn about cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, which can be applied to understanding criminal behavior and rehabilitation.

Social Work: Prepares students to help individuals, families, and communities cope with various challenges. Social workers often interact with the criminal justice system and work on crime prevention and rehabilitation programs.

## What can you do with a degree in Criminology?

Crime Analyst: Collects and analyzes crime data to identify patterns and trends. They work with law enforcement agencies to develop strategies for crime prevention and resource allocation.

Probation Officer: Supervises offenders who have been placed on probation instead of being sent to prison. They work to rehabilitate offenders and ensure they comply with court-ordered conditions.

Victim Advocate: Provides support and resources to crime victims, helping them navigate the criminal justice system. They may work in courts, police departments, or non-profit organizations.

Policy Analyst: Researches and analyzes criminal justice policies and their impacts. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups to develop and evaluate crime-related policies.

## Criminology FAQs

How much math is involved in Criminology? While you'll need to understand basic statistics for crime data analysis, Criminology doesn't require advanced math skills. Most of the focus is on theories and concepts rather than complex calculations.

Can I pursue a career in law enforcement with a Criminology degree? Absolutely! A Criminology degree is great preparation for various law enforcement roles, from police officer to FBI agent.

Is Criminology the same as Criminal Justice? While they're related, Criminology focuses more on understanding why crime happens, while Criminal Justice deals with how society responds to crime. Many programs combine elements of both.

1.4 Ethical Considerations in Criminological Research

1.3 Research Methods in Criminology

1.1 Defining Criminology and Its Scope

1.2 Historical Development of Criminology

2.2 Victimization Surveys and Self-Report Studies

2.1 Official Crime Statistics and Their Limitations

2.3 Dark Figure of Crime and Unreported Offenses

3.2 Neoclassical Criminology and Rational Choice Theory

3.1 Classical School of Criminology

3.3 Deterrence Theory and Its Applications

4.2 Psychological Theories of Crime

4.3 Psychopathy and Antisocial Personality Disorder

4.1 Biological Theories of Criminal Behavior

5.4 Control Theories

5.2 Social Disorganization Theory

5.3 Social Learning and Differential Association Theories

5.1 Strain and Anomie Theories

6.3 Life-Course Persistent vs. Adolescence-Limited Offending

6.2 Developmental Pathways to Delinquency

6.1 Age-Graded Theory of Informal Social Control

7.3 Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence

7.1 Typologies and Patterns of Violent Crime

7.2 Theories Explaining Violent Behavior

8.1 Types and Patterns of Property Crime

8.3 Cybercrime and Identity Theft

8.2 White-Collar and Corporate Crime

9.2 Gang Formation, Membership, and Activities

9.3 Transnational Organized Crime

9.1 Structure and Operations of Organized Crime Groups

10.3 Victim Services and Rights

10.1 Theories of Victimization

10.2 Victim Typologies and Risk Factors

11.2 The Juvenile Justice System

11.1 Theories of Juvenile Delinquency

11.3 Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Youth

12.1 Evolution of Policing and Police Organizations

12.4 Current Challenges in Policing

12.3 Police Discretion and Accountability

12.2 Police Strategies and Community Policing

13.2 The Criminal Trial Process

13.1 Court Structure and Key Players

13.3 Sentencing Goals and Practices

14.2 Community Corrections: Probation and Parole

14.1 The Prison System and Inmate Subcultures

14.3 Rehabilitation Programs and Recidivism Reduction

15.3 Evidence-Based Practices in Crime Reduction

15.1 Situational Crime Prevention

15.2 Social Crime Prevention

16.1 Mass Incarceration and Criminal Justice Reform

16.2 Race, Ethnicity, and Criminal Justice

16.3 Terrorism and Homeland Security

16.4 Emerging Technologies in Crime and Criminal Justice

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