Criminological Theory –

cja540

(3 credits)

This is an advanced course in theories and crime causation, including classical, biological, psychological, sociological, and social-psychological approaches. Victimology, to include victimization statistics, victimogensis, and the prevention of victimization, is included.

This graduate-level course is 6 weeks. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Advisor.

Topics and Objectives

The Importance of Theory in Criminology
- Summarize criminological research in theory development.
- Create a personal criminological theory that synthesizes existing theories.
Methods and Paradigms in Criminological Theory
- Compare various methods used to collect and disseminate crime data.
- Assess the usefulness and limitations of crime data and the relationship of such data to theory formation in criminology.
Classical and Positive Theories
- Explain the philosophical basis of classical and neoclassical thought in criminology.
- Evaluate major principles of the classical school of criminological thought.
- Evaluate the contributions of biological, sociobiological, and psychological explanations of criminal behavior.
- Analyze the relationship between personality and criminal behavior.
Social-Psychological and Sociological Theories I
- Evaluate the major principles of sociological-based schools of criminological thought.
- Identify social factors that contribute to crime and criminal behavior.
- Explain the effect of imitations and interactions with others in learning behavior.
- Analyze the role of socioeconomic status and values in criminological theory.
Social-Psychological and Sociological Theories II
- Evaluate conflict as it relates to social control.
- Evaluate the effect of positive and negative reinforcement on crime.
- Analyze gender-based theories as they relate to current crime trends.
Genesis of the Field of Victimology
- Evaluate victimogenesis and other concepts in victimology, including victim responsibility.
- Analyze the restorative justice model and its relationship to victimology.
- Evaluate contemporary research instruments used to measure criminal victimization.
Social Policy and Crime Prevention
- Evaluate the effect that criminological theory and research have had on contemporary and historical crime-control policies in the United States.
- Synthesize criminological theories to develop policy for assisting victims, preventing crime, and achieving effective justice.

The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

Criminological Theory –

cja540

The Importance of Theory in Criminology

Methods and Paradigms in Criminological Theory

Classical and Positive Theories

Social-Psychological and Sociological Theories I

Social-Psychological and Sociological Theories II

Genesis of the Field of Victimology

Social Policy and Crime Prevention

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