SOCY 4014 Criminology
About the Course
The course considers the basic sociological theories and research findings concerning crime. The punishment and corrections process, organized crime, corporate crime, the police, the courts and the impact of crime on the victim are examined. While this course is about “crime,” it’s primarily an introduction to sociological thinking and understanding the world (a particular “mode of inquiry”). Thus, we will be spending the initial weeks learning about Sociology, its nature…theories…methods (all the while keeping our “eyes” on “crime”). Then, for the rest of the semester, we will focus on specific “crime” subjects…from a sociological perspective.
Objectives/Outline
- To provide a framework for studying criminology
- To develop an understanding of criminological theory
- To provide an introduction to the major forms of criminal behavior
- To provide an overview of the criminal justice system.
Grade Breakdown
Each of the Written Assignments and Exams are worth a possible 100 points. Thus, the final grade is calculated on the basis of 900 possible points.
Required Text
Brown, Stephen E., Finn-Aage Esbensen, and Gilbert Geis. Criminology, 7th Ed., 2010, Reed-Elsevier (Anderson Publishing Co). ISBN: 13: 978-1-4224-6332-1.
Hickey, Thomas, 2010. Taking Sides, 9th Ed. Expanded, Dushkin/McGraw Hill. ISBN: 0-07-740806-3
Instructor Contact
Phone: (760) 726-4101
Email: 123stevewilson@gmail.com
Dr. Steve Wilson received his BA in sociology at Denison University, his MA in sociology from Kent State University, and his PhD in sociology from Duke University. From 1976 to 1995 Steve held a full-time faculty position in the Department of Sociology at Temple University. Among the many courses he has taught are “Deviance and Society,””Theories of Deviance,””Drugs and Society,” and “Men and Women in American Society.” His various research projects have included studies of the release of chronic mental patients, predictions of juvenile delinquency, and drug use among students.