Introduction To Criminology I
- Social Sciences
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 94 pages
- 12 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CSS133, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CSS133 · UNIT 1: DEFINITION OF CRIMINOLOGY
The Marxism criminology is the basis of Marxist’ approach to crime. Its thesis is that criminal behaviour arises from the wider social conditions or social structure of political economy. Marx observed that the economic base or the infrastructure determines the precise nature of the super structure.
What you should be able to do
- Define criminology and its dimensions
- Distinguish between different schools of thought in criminology
- Explain theoretical explanations of crimes
- Identify the etiology of crimes
- Discuss crime as a societal phenomenon
- Evaluate the measurement of crimes
What it prepares you for
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Security Analyst
- Correctional Officer
- Criminologist
- Victim Advocate
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Security
- Social Services
- Legal
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 1: The Classical Criminology
Understanding the nuances and historical context of classical criminology requires grasping Enlightenment philosophy and legal theory.
- Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 3: Critical Criminology
The abstract nature of critical criminology and its reliance on Marxist theory can be challenging for students unfamiliar with political economy.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 40 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Definition of Terms
Unit 1: Definition of Criminology · 2 hours
Define criminology and its scope.. Understand social norms and values.. Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of criminology..
- Week 2Module 1: Definition of Terms
Unit 2: Conceptual Definitions · 2 hours
Define key concepts such as crime, criminal law, norms, and deviance.. Differentiate between crime and deviance.. Understand the role of penology..
- Week 3Module 1: Definition of Terms
Unit 3: Types of Crimes · 2 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 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 4Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 1: The Classical Criminology · 3 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 5Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 2: Positivist Criminology · 3 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 6Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 3: Critical Criminology · 3 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 7Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 4: The Sociological School · 3 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 8Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 5: The New Criminology · 3 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 9Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims
Unit 1: Classification of Crimes · 3 hours
Explain the basis of the classification of crimes.. List the categories of crimes.. Examine the patterns and trends of crimes..
- Week 10Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims
Unit 2: Offenders · 3 hours
Define who is an offender.. Identify categories of offenses.. Examine types of offenders..
- Week 11Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims
Unit 3: Victims of Crimes · 3 hours
Define who a victim is.. State the origin of victimology.. Identify vulnerable groups and establish the general profile..
- Week 12Final Revision
Final Revision · 4 hours
Review all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and theories.. Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments..
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 4 hours
Complete assignments and TMAs.. Address any remaining questions or concerns.. Final preparation for examinations..
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions of key terms in Module 1, focusing on criminology, crime, and deviance.
- Create a comparative chart of the different criminological schools of thought (Module 2), noting key figures and principles.
- Focus on the sociological factors contributing to crime (Unit 4, Module 2), understanding anomie and differential association.
- Practice applying the labeling theory (Unit 5, Module 2) to real-world scenarios.
- Review classifications of crimes (Unit 1, Module 3) and profiles of offenders and victims (Units 2 and 3, Module 3).
Questions students ask about this course
What is CSS133 about?
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.
How many units does CSS133 have?
CSS133, Introduction To Criminology I, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 94 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CSS133?
CSS133 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Social Sciences.
Is CSS133 hard?
CSS133 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does CSS133 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is CSS133 assessed?
CSS133 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with CSS133?
Law Enforcement Officer, Security Analyst, Correctional Officer, Criminologist and Victim Advocate.