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CSS461Social Sciences4 Unitsbeginner

Criminology 1 (For Law Students Only)

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of criminology, exploring the relationship between crime and society. It examines classical and contemporary criminological theories, constitutional factors influencing crime, and reasons behind criminal behavior. The course also covers the treatment of offenders and victims, as well as methods for measuring crime. Students will gain a foundational understanding of criminology, deviance, and the administration of criminal justice.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
CriminologyCrimeDevianceCriminal JusticeOffenders

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

Definition of Criminology

2

Conceptual Definitions

3

Types of Crimes

4

Etiology of Crimes

5

Criminological Schools of Thought

6

Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims

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 assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Police 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

Probation Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Criminologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Law EnforcementCorrectionsSecuritySocial ServicesGovernment

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
  • •Read the definition of criminology and understand its scope.
  • •Identify the different disciplines related to criminology.
  • •Discuss the evolution of criminology from non-rational to scientific thinking.
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.
  • •Distinguish between different types of norms: folkways, mores, and laws.
  • •Understand the components of crime: act and criminal intent.
Week
3

Module 1: Definition of Terms

2h

Unit 3: Types of Crimes

2 study hours
  • •Identify and classify different types of crimes: legal, organised, white-collar, blue-collar, professional, and juvenile delinquency.
  • •Discuss the legal classifications of crimes: crimes against a person, property, and public order.
  • •Differentiate between organised and unorganised crimes.
Week
4

Module 1: Definition of Terms

2h

Unit 4: Etiology of Crimes

2 study hours
  • •Explore the psychological, sociological, and physiological factors contributing to crime.
  • •Discuss Freud's psychoanalytic theory and its influence on understanding criminal behavior.
  • •Examine the role of social environment and conditions in causing crime.
Week
5

Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought

2h

Unit 1: The Classical Criminology

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the contributions of Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham to the classical school of criminology.
  • •Explain the utilitarian principle and its application to punishment.
  • •Understand the concept of free-will and its role in criminal behavior.
Week
6

Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought

2h

Unit 2: Positivist Criminology

2 study hours
  • •Examine the views of the positivist school and its proponents, including Cesare Lombroso.
  • •Discuss the concept of 'criminal types' and their characteristics.
  • •Understand the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing criminal behavior.
Week
7

Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought

2h

Unit 3: Critical Criminology

2 study hours
  • •Explain the critical school of criminology and its Marxist perspective.
  • •Discuss the relationship between the capitalist class and the working class.
  • •Understand the critique of labeling and conflict theories of crime.
Week
8

Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought

2h

Unit 4: The Sociological School

2 study hours
  • •Examine the sociological approach to understanding the causes of crime.
  • •Discuss Edwin H. Sutherland's theory of Differential Association.
  • •Explain Robert K. Merton's theory of Structures Strains and Anomie.
Week
9

Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought

2h

Unit 5: The New Criminology

2 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 their characteristics.
Week
10

Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims

2h

Unit 1: Classification of Crimes

2 study hours
  • •Explain the basis for classifying crimes.
  • •List the categories of crimes: moral order, property, and violent crimes.
  • •Examine the patterns and trends of crimes.
Week
11

Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims

2h

Unit 2: Offenders

2 study hours
  • •Define who is an offender.
  • •Identify categories of offenses.
  • •Examine the types of offenders.
Week
12

Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims

2h

Unit 3: Victims of Crimes

2 study hours
  • •Define who a victim is.
  • •State the origin of victimology.
  • •Identify the vulnerable groups and establish the general profile of victims.
Week
13

Final Revision

2h

Final Revision

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

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all study units and focus on key concepts and definitions.

2

Practice answering questions from self-assessment exercises and TMAs.

3

Create summaries of each module to consolidate your understanding.

4

Allocate sufficient time to revise each topic before the examination.

5

Understand the differences between the various criminological theories.

6

Focus on understanding the Nigerian context of crime and criminal justice.

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