Special Categories Of Offenders
- Social Sciences
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 131 pages
- 18 units
This course explores special categories of offenders within the framework of criminology and security studies. It delves into the legal and sociological definitions of crime, examining various types of offenses and punishments. The course analyzes offender typologies, sentencing structures, and the critical role of the police in Nigeria's criminal justice system. Case studies from Nigeria, Africa, Europe, and America provide a comprehensive understanding of crime and offender management.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CSS354, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CSS354 · UNIT 1 DEFINITION OF CRIME
Sociologists argue that if we are interested in knowing why people engage in behaviour that is detrimental to society, we should go beyond the legal definition and include behaviour that is defined as criminal but for which no arrests are made. The focus is on behaviour. Why do people do what they do?
What you should be able to do
- Define crime from legal and sociological perspectives
- Identify different categories of offenders
- Explain various theories of crime and punishment
- Analyze the role of police in the administration of criminal justice
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different sentencing structures
What it prepares you for
- Police Officer
- Correctional Officer
- Probation Officer
- Criminologist
- Security Analyst
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Judicial System
- Security Services
- Government Agencies
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Theoretical Background to Crime and the Types of Crime
Unit 3: Theoretical Background to Crime
Understanding the nuances between different sociological theories requires critical thinking and comparative analysis.
- Module 3: Definition and Types of Offences
Unit 3: Types of Offences 2
The legal definitions and distinctions between various offenses require careful attention to detail and statutory interpretation.
- Module 4: Theoretical Background to Punishment
Unit 3: Theoretical Background to Punishment
Grasping the philosophical underpinnings of punishment requires abstract reasoning and ethical considerations.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 40 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Definition of Crime from the Legal and Sociological Perspective
Unit 1: Definition of Crime · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Study the various sources of statistical information about crime.. Understand Braithwaite's 13 facts about crime.. Explain the meaning of crime from different perspectives.. Define who a criminal is from a legal point of view..
Unit 2: Legal Definition of Crime · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Understand Tappan's legal definition of crime.. Explain the problems associated with the legal definition of crime.. Identify and explain the seven elements of crime.. Discuss the importance of each element..
- Week 2Module 1: Definition of Crime from the Legal and Sociological Perspective
Unit 3: Sociological Definition of Crime · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Explain the sociological definition of crime.. Discuss Durkheim's view of crime as a social product.. Identify the merits and demerits of the sociological approach to crime.. Understand the broader context in which crime occurs..
- Week 3Module 2: Theoretical Background to Crime and the Types of Crime
Unit 1: Types of Crime 1 · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Define offence according to the American Heritage Dictionary.. Explain the types of offences.. Explain the characteristics of offenders.. Understand the difference between someone convicted of a single crime and someone with a pattern of criminal behavior..
- Week 4Module 2: Theoretical Background to Crime and the Types of Crime
Unit 2: Types of Crime 2 · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Explain the concept of crime from different angles.. Discuss the causes of violent crime.. Understand the role of personal traits, human instinct, and evolutionary factors in violent crime.. Analyze the link between substance abuse and violent behavior..
- Week 5Module 2: Theoretical Background to Crime and the Types of Crime
Unit 3: Theoretical Background to Crime · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Understand the non-sociological theories of crime.. Examine the various types of sociological theories of crime.. Discuss the Strain or Motivational theory.. Explain the Control or Bond theory..
- Week 6Module 3: Definition and Types of Offences
Unit 1: Types of Offences 1 · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Discuss corruption and its different types.. Explain computer crime and its various forms.. Explain the word false pretense and its legal implications.. Understand the causes of corruption in Nigeria..
Unit 2: Types of Offences 1 · 2 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Understand what Kidnapping is.. Explain the types of Kidnapping.. Differentiate Assault and battery.. Discuss the types of Battery.. Explain the word Robbery and its types..
- Week 7Module 3: Definition and Types of Offences
Unit 3: Types of Offences 2 · 3 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Define the term Burglary.. Explain the term Homicide.. Discuss the term Rape.. Explain the term Arson.. Explain the term Treason..
- Week 8Module 3: Definition and Types of Offences
Unit 4: Types of Offences 3 · 3 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Explain what is meant by terrorism.. Discuss briefly the history of terrorism and the different forms of terrorism.. Explain the motive behind terrorists acts.. Differentiate between a terrorist and a guerilla..
- Week 9Module 4: Theoretical Background to Punishment
Unit 1: What is Punishment? · 3 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Explain what is meant by punishment.. Discuss the historical background of punishment.. Explain the reasons for punishment.. Understand the definition of punishments in different fields..
- Week 10Module 4: Theoretical Background to Punishment
Unit 2: Types of Punishment · 3 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. List out the penalties of punishment.. Explain the component of some of the penalties of punishment.. Understand the movement towards humane execution.. Discuss the concept of asset forfeiture..
- Week 11Module 4: Theoretical Background to Punishment
Unit 3: Theoretical Background to Punishment · 3 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Discuss in defaults the theories of punishment.. Explain the philosophical theories of punishment.. Understand the utilitarian and retributive theories of punishment.. Analyze Bentham's and Kant's views on punishment..
- Week 12Module 5: Offenders and Sentencing Structure
Unit 1: Pre-sentencing · 3 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Explain the background and purpose of presentence investigation report.. Discuss how offenders are interviewed and information concerning them are collated.. Know how this information are used in the final judgment of the offender.. Understand the rules and procedures for writing and revising the report..
Unit 2: Purpose of Sentencing · 3 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Explain the meaning of sentencing.. List and explain the purpose of sentencing.. Understand the concepts of deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and retribution.. Analyze the different sentencing philosophies..
- Week 13Module 5: Offenders and Sentencing Structure
Unit 3: Types of Sentencing Structure · 3 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Explain the general kinds of sentencing.. Discuss the modalities for imposing sentences.. Explain the sentencing structures.. Understand the differences between indeterminate and determinate sentences..
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts.
- Develop case studies applying theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios.
- Practice answering essay questions on the different types of offenses and their legal implications.
- Review all tutor-marked assignments and incorporate feedback into your study notes.
- Allocate specific time slots for focused study sessions, avoiding distractions.
- Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share insights.
- Prioritize understanding the Nigerian legal system and its application to criminal justice.
- Use flashcards to memorize key terms and legal definitions.
- Simulate exam conditions by practicing with past papers.
- Focus on understanding the roles and responsibilities of different actors in the criminal justice system (police, courts, prisons).
- Create concept maps linking different theories of crime and punishment.
- Pay special attention to the ethical considerations involved in criminal justice administration.
- Review all recommended textbooks and supplementary readings.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CSS354 about?
This course explores special categories of offenders within the framework of criminology and security studies. It delves into the legal and sociological definitions of crime, examining various types of offenses and punishments. The course analyzes offender typologies, sentencing structures, and the critical role of the police in Nigeria's criminal justice system. Case studies from Nigeria, Africa, Europe, and America provide a comprehensive understanding of crime and offender management.
How many units does CSS354 have?
CSS354, Special Categories Of Offenders, has 18 units across 6 modules, over 131 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CSS354?
CSS354 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Social Sciences.
Is CSS354 hard?
CSS354 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CSS354 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 18 units.
How is CSS354 assessed?
CSS354 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with CSS354?
Police Officer, Correctional Officer, Probation Officer, Criminologist and Security Analyst.