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CSS133Social Sciences2 Unitsbeginner

Introduction To Criminology I

This course, Introduction to Criminology I, is designed for students of Criminology and Security Studies. It serves as a foundational exploration of the relationship between crime and society. The course covers the dimensions of criminology, classical and contemporary theories, constitutional factors causing crimes, reasons for criminal behavior, treatment of offenders and victims, and crime measurement. It provides an overview of criminal explanations and their societal implications.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
CriminologyCrimeCriminal BehaviorVictimologyEtiology

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definitions of Criminology

2

Criminological Theories

3

Etiology of Crimes

4

Classification of Crimes

5

Offenders

6

Victims of Crimes

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Law Enforcement Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Security Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Correctional Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Criminologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Victim Advocate

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Law EnforcementCorrectionsSecuritySocial ServicesLegal

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Definition of Terms

2h

Unit 1: Definition of Criminology

2 study hours
  • •Define criminology and its scope.
  • •Understand social norms and values.
  • •Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of criminology.
Week
2

Module 1: Definition of Terms

2h

Unit 2: Conceptual Definitions

2 study hours
  • •Define key concepts such as crime, criminal law, norms, and deviance.
  • •Differentiate between crime and deviance.
  • •Understand the role of penology.
Week
3

Module 1: Definition of Terms

4h

Unit 3: Types of Crimes

2 study hours
  • •Identify and classify different types of crimes.
  • •Understand legal classifications, organized crimes, and white-collar crimes.
  • •Differentiate between professional and non-professional crimes.

Unit 4: Etiology of Crimes

2 study hours
  • •Examine psychological, sociological, and physiological factors contributing to crime.
  • •Understand the multiple-factor approach to crime causation.
  • •Discuss the role of genetics and environment.
Week
4

Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought

3h

Unit 1: The Classical Criminology

3 study hours
  • •Discuss Cesare Beccaria's contributions to criminology.
  • •Explain the main focus of the classical school.
  • •Understand the utilitarian principle and its application to punishment.
Week
5

Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought

3h

Unit 2: Positivist Criminology

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the views of the positivist school and its proponents.
  • •Explain the combination of factors necessary for criminal behaviors.
  • •Examine the three criminal types.
Week
6

Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought

3h

Unit 3: Critical Criminology

3 study hours
  • •Explain the critical school of criminology.
  • •Understand criminology from the Marxist perspective.
  • •Discuss the relationship between the capitalist class and the working class.
Week
7

Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought

3h

Unit 4: The Sociological School

3 study hours
  • •Examine the sociological approach to causes of crimes.
  • •Discuss Edwin H. Sutherland's theory of Differential Association.
  • •Explain Robert K. Merton's theory of Structures Strains and Anomie.
Week
8

Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought

3h

Unit 5: The New Criminology

3 study hours
  • •Explain labeling as a form of criminal behavior.
  • •Discuss the contributions of Erving Goffman, Howard S. Becker, and Stanley Cohen.
  • •List the categories of labeling and its characteristics.
Week
9

Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims

3h

Unit 1: Classification of Crimes

3 study hours
  • •Explain the basis of the classification of crimes.
  • •List the categories of crimes.
  • •Examine the patterns and trends of crimes.
Week
10

Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims

3h

Unit 2: Offenders

3 study hours
  • •Define who is an offender.
  • •Identify categories of offenses.
  • •Examine types of offenders.
Week
11

Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims

3h

Unit 3: Victims of Crimes

3 study hours
  • •Define who a victim is.
  • •State the origin of victimology.
  • •Identify vulnerable groups and establish the general profile.
Week
12

Final Revision

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all modules and units.
  • •Focus on key concepts and theories.
  • •Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments.
Week
13

Final Revision

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Complete assignments and TMAs.
  • •Address any remaining questions or concerns.
  • •Final preparation for examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review definitions of key terms in Module 1, focusing on criminology, crime, and deviance.

2

Create a comparative chart of the different criminological schools of thought (Module 2), noting key figures and principles.

3

Focus on the sociological factors contributing to crime (Unit 4, Module 2), understanding anomie and differential association.

4

Practice applying the labeling theory (Unit 5, Module 2) to real-world scenarios.

5

Review classifications of crimes (Unit 1, Module 3) and profiles of offenders and victims (Units 2 and 3, Module 3).

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