The course is organized into three main sections. Firstly, we discuss crime as a socially constructed legal concept and phenomenon, its intense politicization, and its sensationalistic portrayal in much contemporary media. We then discuss the challenges of studying crime scientifically and debate the most common research methods in the field. The ethics and values that permeate all aspects of criminological study and criminal justice responses are critically explored throughout the course. Secondly, we briefly explore the early attempts of scholars to explain criminality, as well as more recent approaches to criminal behavior in other disciplines (biology and psychology), before moving on to in-depth discussion of contemporary sociological theories of why certain social groups are more prone to commit or to be victims of specific types of crime. Thirdly, we critically discuss the link between these theories and policies for crime reduction. Using various case-studies, we evaluate which forms of contemporary institutional responses can be considered most effective while others appear to fail. The course is based on lectures and in-depth class discussions, in which students are expected to engage critically with original criminological writings and contemporary empirical case-studies. Guest lectures by practitioners in policing, security and criminal justice institutions may also be organized. 

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

·       Explain and critically discuss the core criminological theories and the assumptions upon which they are based

·       Evaluate criminological theory in light of evolving empirical studies

·       Explain and critique the scientific methods used to study and explain criminal behaviors

·       Understand the connections between criminological theories and policy implications

·       Apply the theoretical concepts to real situations

·       Analyze the effectiveness of criminal justice systems and crime control policies

Attendance is mandatory and you are expected to not miss any classes. If your absence is ecused by the Dean's Office, I will record the class for you. You should then watch the video and do all related activities and assignments as soon as possible. I will accept a maximum of 2 unexcused absences after which I will deduct 2% of your final grade for each class missed.

You cannot make up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean's Office. The Dean's Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will miss an exam must notify the Dean's Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up the work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until 15 Dec.

Letter grades and corresponding percentages for this class

94 – 100 points = A

90 – 93.99 pts = A-

87 – 89.99 = B+

83 – 86.99 = B

80 – 82.99 = B-

77 – 79.99 = C+

70 – 76.99 = C

60 – 69.99 = D

59.99 – 0 = F