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SOC 246: Criminology

4 credits

This course focuses on a sociological analysis of the patterns of criminal behavior, the relationship of crime to law, and other aspects of the social order; critical examination of theories of criminality; societal reactions to crime; analysis of the criminal justice system; the police, courts, prison and its alternatives.

Distribution Requirement

• Social Sciences

Learning Goals

• Communication Writing
• Information Literacy

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to• Articulate and compare the main components of criminological theories that have beendeveloped to explain the root causes and prevention of criminality.• Apply criminological theories and concepts to explain crime in contemporary contexts.• Name and differentiate between the various forms of crime in society.• Identify, describe, and compare the major sources of crime statistics in the United States.• List and describe the components of the criminal justice system in the United States—frompolicing and surveillance, through arrest and the court system, into the corrections system,and reentry.• Describe and critically evaluate the criminal justice process in the United States in terms ofdeterrence and social justice as it relates to race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, sexuality,religion, and nationality.• Locate, read, analyze, and communicate criminological research results published in peerreviewedjournals and monographs.

Sections Offered: Fall 2026

Sections Offered: Summer 2026, Summer II