CRIM 2251: Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
Students 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 are 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
- Part I: Introduction and Foundations
- Part II: Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
- Part III: Applying Sociological Explanations to Criminal Behaviour
Required text and materials
Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own.
- Eisler, L., White, R., & Haines, F. (2022). Crime and Criminology: An Introduction to Theory (4th Cdn. ed.). Oxford University Press.
Type: E-Textbook. ISBN: 9780190160609 / 9780190160593
Note: This item can be purchased directly from the following VitalSource link.
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.
| Quiz 1: Modules 1–3 | 10% |
| Quiz 2: Modules 4–6 | 10% |
| Assignment 1: Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour | 15% |
| Quiz 3: Modules 7–10 | 10% |
| Assignment 2: Applying Sociological Explanations to Criminal Behaviour | 15% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 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.
