Discipline: Sociology Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Sociology 20


COURSE DESCRIPTION
20 Introduction To Criminology Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
An introduction to the fundamentals of Criminology; including surveys of the theories of crime, statistical procedures and research methodology, types of crime, criminal etiology, the origins and features of criminal law, the police, courts, and corrections. An analysis of the interrelations between social organization, the perceptions of social harm, and the dynamics of social control. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
A sociological analysis of crime, criminality, criminal law, and criminal justice.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Demonstrate a knowledge of classical and contemporary theoretical
      explanations of crime, criminality, criminal law, and criminal justice.

2.   Demonstrate a knowledge of historical and contemporary research findings
      as pertains to crime, criminality, criminal law, and criminal justice.

3.   Demonstrate a knowledge of the interrationships between social
      organization, the perception of social harm, and the dynamics of social
      control.

4.   Demonstrate an ability to distinguish among and between the types of
      crime and crime victims.

5.   Demonstrate an ability to critically analyze and draw scholarly conclusions
      from the criminological theory and research as to the effectiveness,
      efficiency, propriety, and equity of the criminal law and its administration
      through the criminal justice system, i.e. police, courts, corrections.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

Lectures, discussions, and assignments will offer the approximate content below:

1.   An introduction to the sociological method for the study of crime,
      criminality, and criminal justice, to include theoretical foundations and
      research methods.
2.   An introductory and critical analysis of the following elements of crime,
      criminality, and  criminal justice: 
      a.   Historical and contemporary criminological theory
      b.   Historical and contemporary criminological research
      c.   Types of crime, criminals, and crime victims
      d.   Sources and evaluation of crime statistics
      e.   Varying conceptualizations of crime and criminal law
       f.   Varying conceptualizations of crime causation
      h.   Individual, institutional, and societal responses to crime 
            and criminality
       i.   The criminal justice system, i.e., police, courts, corrections
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lecture
  • Classroom discussion
  • Audio-visual aids, to include on-line and internet strategies
  • Small-group activities
  • Out-of-class projects, reading, and writing assignments
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Written and/or oral examination, both objective and subjective methods
  • Small group activities
  • Library, on-line, and internet research assignments
  • Oral presentations
  • Course papers
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Siegel, Larry J. . Criminology: The Core. any: Wadsworth Publishing, 2003.
  • Adler, Freda et al . Criminology: The Shorter Version. any: McGraw Hill Publishers, 2003.
  • Barkin, Steven E.. Criminology: A Sociological Understanding. any: Prentice Hall Publishers, 2004.
  • Baker, David V. and Richard P. Davin . Crime, Criminology, and Criminal Justice. any: Dushkin/McGraw Hill Publishers, 2004.
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