CRIM 2251: Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
Students will critically examine the sociological, socio-cultural, and socio-psychological explanations of criminal behaviour such as the ecological theories, conflict theories, control theories, and symbolic interactionist theories. Some of the specific theories subjected to critical examination will be those concerned with class and group conflict, subcultures, association, labelling and gender.
Learning outcomes
- Distinguish between scholarly and lay theories of crime and deviance.
- Describe a range of methods by which crime and deviance are studied empirically.
- Critically evaluate and assess sociological theories of crime and deviance.
- Distinguish between crime and deviance.
- Apply a range of theoretical explanations and perspectives to the processes by which crime and deviance are created and dealt with.
- Distinguish between positivist and constructionist approaches to the study of crime and deviance.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Introduction to Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
- Unit 2: Sociological Theories of Criminal Behaviour
- Unit 3: Crimes of Sex and Violence
- Unit 4: From Privileged and Underprivileged Crime to the Social
Required text and materials
Students will need to source the following on their own:
Thio, A., Calhoun, T.C., Conyers, A. Readings in Deviant Behavior. 6th ed. Boston:
Pearson. (2010).
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-205-69557-7
Optional materials
Details of the various online resources are listed in the course modules. Students will also be expected to access TRU library online resources, including journal articles and e-books. Refer to the section "library services" in this course overview for suggestions about familiarizing yourself with library online resources.
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Assignment 1: Introduction to Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behavior | 15% |
| Assignment 2: Sociological Theories of Criminal Behavior | 15% |
| Assignment 3: Crimes of Sex and Violence | 15% |
| Assignment 4: From Privileged and Underprivileged Crime to the Social Control of Crime | 15% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
