Course Description
This course provides an introduction to criminological theory. Topics include a comparison of different theoretical explanations of criminal offenses and societal reactions, models of treatment for criminal behavior, and best practices for reducing/controlling criminal activity. During the course, you will be able to apply theoretical perspectives to real life case scenarios, discuss empirical research supporting/refusing criminological theory, and suggest legislative/political solutions to crime issues.
This course is a required course for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at UT Tyler. You will be tested over the contents of this course during CRIJ 4355 (Senior Seminar), with the expectation that you can demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of criminological theory and applications. For this reason, I recommend keeping all notes, readings, and assignment materials as future study aids.
Course Textbook
This textbook provides you with an overview of criminological theory, beginning with the earliest schools of criminology and continuing into modern day criminological research. We will jump right into this textbook starting week one, so make sure you purchase your copy early!
Schram, P. J. & Tibbetts, S. G. (2018). Introduction to Criminology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications. ISBN: 9781506347561 (Interactive E-Book also available)
Advance Your Learning
The following materials are articles, videos, and other supplementary materials relating to the topics covered in this course.
TEDxPeachtree: The Ripple Effects of a Cashless Society
This is an interesting TEDx talk by criminologist Dr. Richard Wright. As a scholar focusing on urban street crime, Dr. Wright explains how the move from cash to card systems of payment has transformed US crime patterns as a result of the change in the availability of physical money.
TEDxBrum: The real roots of youth violence
Criminologist Craig Pinkney focuses on youth violence, with an emphasis on gangs and serious violence. In this talk, Craig explains what factors impact youth violence and how we as a society can help intervene in the lives of struggling youth.
