Description:

This class will explore various explanations for criminal behavior including choice, biosocial, psychological, social structure and social process theories. Society's responses to crime will also be examined. 3 hrs. lecture/wk. ADMJ 127 and SOC 127 are the same course. Do not enroll in both.

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

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): NONE

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

The overall objective of this course is to examine the various causes
of criminal behavior by exploring the classical choice theories,
biosocial, psychological, social structural and social process
theories.

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

1. Define the term criminology and demonstrate an understanding of the work and viewpoint of the criminologist.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of basic terminology, concepts and methods in criminology.
3. Compare and contrast three current methodologies for measuring criminal behavior.
4. Debate the causation of criminal behavior using rational choice, biological, psychological, social structure and social process theories.
5. Describe various types of crime such as violent crime, white collar and organized crime.
6. Trace society's various responses to crime throughout history.
7. Understand society’s response to crime by explaining the correctional system.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Issues in Criminology
   A. Define criminology.
      1. Differentiate criminology and deviance.
   B. Describe the historical foundation of criminology.
      1. Explain the classic approach to criminology.
      2. Describe the Marxist/conflict tradition.
      3. Explain biological positivism.
      4. Identify the sociological contributions to criminology.
   C. Describe the various techniques for measuring criminal behavior.
      1. List the different measures of criminal behavior.
      2. Critique the Uniform Crime Report.
      3. Identify advantages and disadvantages of self-report and
victimization surveys.

II. Causation for Criminal Behavior
   A. Explain the rational choice explanation of crime.
      1. Summarize routine activities and its contribution to rational
choice theory.
      2. Distinguish between general and specific deterrence.
      3. Explain the policy implication of choice theory.
   B. Describe the trait approach to criminal behavior.
      1. Recognize the biological contribution to criminal behavior.
      2. Distinguish the various psychological theories which explain
crime.
      3. Examine the relationship between intelligence and criminal
behavior.
   C. Social structure theories.
      1. Compare and contrast social disorganization theory, social strain
theory, and cultural deviance theory.
      2. Evaluate the link between social structure theories and social
policy.
   D. Social process theories.
      1. Identify the different branches of social process theory used in
criminology.
         a. Analyze crime from the perspective of social learning theory.
         b. Consider social control theory as an explanation of crime.
         c. Discuss labeling theory as an explanation of criminal
behavior.
      2. Explain the relationship between social process theories of
criminology and social policy.
   E. Social conflict theories.
      1. Identify the basic element of Marxist theory.
      2. Trace the development of social conflict theory in criminology.
      3. Explain modern conflict theory.
      4. Describe the variations of the Marxist approaches to
criminology.
   F. Integrated theories.
      1. Summarize the integrated theory approach in criminology.
         a. Describe the latent trait approach to studying criminal
behavior.
         b. Illustrate the life-course theory of criminal behavior.
      2. Examine the history of criminological thought leading to
integrated theory.

III. Types of Crime
   A. Violent criminal behavior.
      1. Identify the root causes of violence in society.
      2. Distinguish the different forms of violent criminal behavior.
   B. White-collar crime.
      1. Distinguish between white-collar crime and organized crime.
      2. Describe the different types of white-collar crime.
      3. Identify the conditions that cause white-collar crime.
      4. Explain how white-collar crime is controlled.
      5. Describe the various concepts of organized crime.
      6. Outline the history of organized crime in the United States.

IV. Society’s Response to Crime
   A. The correctional system.
      1. Outline the history of punishment and corrections.
      2. Describe the history of correction and prison systems in the
United States.
      3. Differentiate between probation and parole.
      4. Apply sociological insights into the social organization of
prison life.
      5. Review the link between society’s correction system and the
rule of law.

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 50% of
thefinal 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 25% of the final grade.
3. The remaining percentage will be left to the instructor’s discretion
or 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. Individual instructors of ADMJ 127 may select supplemental texts or materials to complement the principal text(s) in their assigned sections.
2. 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.