SOC 12HHonors Criminology

3 credits · Sociology · Penn State

Criminology is the study of the causes of criminal behavior. As such this course is an introduction to the topic with special focus on the major theories and concepts explaining criminal behavior. This honors version of Introduction to Criminology is especially designed to be appropriately challenging for Schreyer Honors College students. A key focus of the course is examining the most recent scientific research testing the basic theories in criminology. Students learn the various research methods and data sources used to study criminal behavior. Several important areas of study that link understanding criminal behavior and its distribution across the social system are investigated including age, gender, race and ethnicity. One goal of the course is to promote a more complete understanding of crime and how it is enmeshed in human social life. Students read a general text, as well as scholarly articles in criminology.