SOC 242 Principles of Criminology

3 Credit(s) CS

Why do people commit crimes? How does society respond to criminal behaviors? This course is a study of crime and criminal behavior, particularly as it relates to the United States. The course will consider various theories of criminality and the origin of criminal law. The course also will investigate the nature of crime and criminals, patterns in criminal behavior, societal reaction to crime, crime control, institutional and macro forces that shape criminal behavior, and the role of law enforcement agencies and penal institutions. Three lecture hours per week.