Criminology 1 (For Law Students Only)
- Social Sciences
- 400 level
- 4 credit units
- 95 pages
- 12 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CSS461, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CSS461 · UNIT 1 DEFINITION OF CRIMINOLOGY
You should try your best to attend the tutorials. This is the only chance to have face-to-face contact with your tutor and ask questions which are answered instantly. You can raise any problem encountered in the course of your study.
What you should be able to do
- Define criminology and its dimensions.
- Distinguish between different schools of thought in criminology.
- Explain the theoretical explanations of crimes.
- Identify the etiology of crimes.
- Discuss crime as a societal phenomenon.
What it prepares you for
- Police Officer
- Security Analyst
- Correctional Officer
- Probation Officer
- Criminologist
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Security
- Social Services
- Government
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Definition of Terms
Unit 2: Conceptual Definitions
Understanding the nuances between folkways, mores, and laws requires careful consideration of social context and cultural values.
- Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 4: The Sociological School
The abstract nature of the theory and the need to understand complex social structures make grasping the core concepts challenging.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Definition of Terms
Unit 1: Definition of Criminology · 2 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 2Module 1: Definition of Terms
Unit 2: Conceptual Definitions · 2 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 3Module 1: Definition of Terms
Unit 3: Types of Crimes · 2 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 4Module 1: Definition of Terms
Unit 4: Etiology of Crimes · 2 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 5Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 1: The Classical Criminology · 2 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 6Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 2: Positivist Criminology · 2 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 7Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 3: Critical Criminology · 2 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 8Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 4: The Sociological School · 2 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 9Module 2: Criminological Schools of Thought
Unit 5: The New Criminology · 2 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 10Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims
Unit 1: Classification of Crimes · 2 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 11Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims
Unit 2: Offenders · 2 hours
Define who is an offender.. Identify categories of offenses.. Examine the types of offenders..
- Week 12Module 3: Crimes, Offenders and Crime Victims
Unit 3: Victims of Crimes · 2 hours
Define who a victim is.. State the origin of victimology.. Identify the vulnerable groups and establish the general profile of victims..
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 2 hours
Review all modules and units.. Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments.. Focus on key concepts and theories..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all study units and focus on key concepts and definitions.
- Practice answering questions from self-assessment exercises and TMAs.
- Create summaries of each module to consolidate your understanding.
- Allocate sufficient time to revise each topic before the examination.
- Understand the differences between the various criminological theories.
- Focus on understanding the Nigerian context of crime and criminal justice.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CSS461 about?
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.
How many units does CSS461 have?
CSS461, Criminology 1 (For Law Students Only), has 12 units across 3 modules, over 95 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CSS461?
CSS461 carries 4 credit units, at 400 level in Social Sciences.
Is CSS461 hard?
CSS461 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does CSS461 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is CSS461 assessed?
CSS461 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with CSS461?
Police Officer, Security Analyst, Correctional Officer, Probation Officer and Criminologist.