Description:

This course explores the relationship between psychology, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. The foundation of the course will be a detailed examination of the various theories used to explain the causation of criminal behavior. Special emphasis will be placed on exploring how this understanding is applied in various settings within the criminal justice system; including police departments, the courts, and corrections. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Compare and contrast theories of criminal behavior including biological, psychological and sociological perspectives.
2. Identify specific categories of both violent and non-violent crimes.
3. Discuss the typologies and specific profiles frequently associated with criminal offenders.
4. Describe how the interaction of parents, family, peers, educators and other agents of socialization impacts juvenile delinquency.
5. Explain how the onset, maintenance, treatment, and manifestation of psychiatric disorders correlate with antisocial or criminal conduct.
6. Differentiate between a legal and psychiatric understanding of competency.
7. Discuss the various mechanisms used by the police in the identification of criminals, as well as in the prevention or reduction of criminal behavior.
8. Trace the progression of an offender through the various stages of the legal system.
9. Explain how the correctional system addresses criminal behavior including an assessment of dangerousness, offender registrations, and halfway houses.
10. Cite specific examples of recently emerging strategies for addressing the prevention and intervention of criminal behavior.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Theories of Criminal Behavior
   A. Examine the biological origins of criminal behavior.
      1. Discuss biocriminology.
      2. Review genetic theory.
      3. Consider the Diathesis-Stress model .
   B. Discuss psychological theories of criminal behavior.
      1. Review personality theory.
      2. Evaluate psychoanalytic theory.
      3. Identify common criminal thinking errors.
   C. Critique sociological theories of criminal behavior.
      1. Evaluate anomie theory 
      2. Discuss Strain theory
      3. Compare and contrast various subcultural explanations for crime.
II. Types of Offenders and Types of Criminal Behavior
   A. Examine violent crime and criminals.
      1. Murder
      2. Sex Crimes
      3. Violence in the criminal justice system
      4. Domestic violence
      5. Cult violence and hate crimes
   B. Discuss nonviolent crime and criminals.
      1. Substance related crimes and criminals
      2. Organized crime
      3. White collar crime
      4. Fraud
      5. Internet crime
      6. Stalking
      7. Property crimes
      8. Prostitution
   C. Examine juvenile delinquency.
      1. Review the role of parental responsibility.
      2. Define status crimes.
      3. Assess the impact of school violence.
      4. Explain the adjudication process for juveniles.
   D. Discuss mental illness.
      1. Analyze the prevalence of mental illness in criminal populations
      2.Evaluate common mental disorders in the criminal justice system
      3. Explain the role and concept of competency in criminal behavior.
III. Criminal justice system approaches to criminal behavior
   A. Analyze policing practices as they relate to criminal behavior..
      1. Review community policing.
      2. Evaluate police training and education.
      3. Discuss the art and science of criminal profiling.
   B. Trace the offender through the legal system.
      1. Examine pretrial matters.
      2. Distinguish between probation and diversion programs.
      3. Summarize the trial process.
      4. Outline post-trial matters.
      5. Critique the death penalty
   C. Evaluate the role of the correctional system.
      1. Compare and contrast retribution and rehabilitation.
      2. Explain the role and purpose of parole.
      3. Examine the prison system.
         a. Review the federal prison system.
         b. Review the state prison system
         c. Discuss prison conditions
         d. Analyze prison subcultures
      4. Discuss the process reentry.
   D. Outline possible future directions in the study of criminal
behavior.
      1. Examine forensic psychological education and training.
      2. Debate new theories of crime, law, and behavior.
         a. Explain procedural justice.
         b. Evaluate commonsense justice.
         c. Discuss therapeutic justice.
      3. Assess community prevention and community intervention programs.
         a. Critique the use of therapeutic communities.
         b. Describe restorative justice.
         c. Examine victim-offender mediation programs.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

1. A minimum of three exams which will constitute at least 40% of the
final grade.  The exams will include questions of a factual, analytical
and
evaluative nature.

2. Written research, analytical or evaluative assignments which will
constitute at least 30% of the final grade.

3. The remaining percentage will be left to the instructor’s discretion
for such items as participation in class discussion, group activities,
etc.

4. Evaluation criteria for writing:  complete, concrete, correct and
clear writing is a major goal for each project assigned.  In addition,
incorporation of the elements and characteristics of the specific type of
writing is expected.

Caveats:

1. Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.