Module1 soc 291 jun15 google docs

SOC­291: CRIMINOLOGY

Module 1—Crime, Criminology, Victimology, and the Nature and Extent of Crime

OVERVIEW According to the prominent American criminologist Edwin Sutherland (1883­1950), criminology is the study of “the making of laws, the breaking of laws, and the reaction to the breaking.” (Sutherland, 1939, p. 1) In North America and many other countries, criminology is considered a sub­discipline of sociology, the study of societies and social groups. This is especially appropriate because much of the foundational work in criminology derives from the work of prominent sociologists from France (Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim) and Germany (Max Weber). However, one may also find that in some countries, criminology may be expected to be considered a branch of other disciplines as public administration (Japan), law (Russia and Eastern European countries), medicine (Italy), and even social work (Ethiopia). Continue to read Module 1 Summary .

TOPICS Module 1 covers the following topics:

● Major Concepts in Criminology and Victimology ● Collecting, Interpreting, and Analyzing Crime Data

OBJECTIVES After successfully completing the learning activities for Module 1, you should be able to:

● MO1.1 Discuss what criminology is and what criminologists do. (CO1) ● MO1.2 Define crime and recognize the difference between criminal and deviant acts. (CO1) ● MO1.3 Explain the legalistic approach to the study of crime and describe its limitations. (CO1) ● MO1.4 Demonstrate the distinction between the social problems and the social responsibility perspectives on crime causation and victimology. (CO1) ● MO1.5 Compare, contrast and evaluate the various methods for collecting and presenting crime data. (CO2) ● MO1.6 Discuss the economic and psychological (victimization) costs of crime. (CO2) ● MO1.7 Explain the various types of research designs and identify research limitations. (CO2) ● MO1.8 Describe the ethical considerations involved in conducting criminological research. (CO2)

Copyright © 2015 by Thomas Edison State College. All rights reserved.

STUDY MATERIALS Reading Assignments ●

Read Module 1 Summary. (Note: You must read and review each module summary as it is especially helpful in studying for the examinations.)

Read chapters 1 ­ 3 of Criminology: The Core by Siegel.

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Web Links

The following Web links may enhance your study or help with writing assignments:

● US Department of Justice ● Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention ● National Criminal Justice Reference Service ● Author’s (Schmalleger) Cybrary

ACTIVITIES Module 1 has three activities. Please consult the Course Calendar for the due date.

Introductions Forum In the Introductions Forum, start a discussion topic titled "Introductions/[Your Name]." In your posting, please address any of the following topics or anything about yourself that you would like to share with the class so that we can get to know you better.

● Your reasons for taking this course ● Your interest in criminology ● Your background in general ● Your experience with online learning ● Your expectations from this course

Note: The Introductions Forum is not graded but required.

Copyright © 2015 by Thomas Edison State College. All rights reserved.

Discussion Forum 1 In Discussion Forum 1 on the class Discussion Board, post your response to the following discussion question. Please identify the question you are answering in the subject line of your thread (e.g., "Discussion 1/[Your Name]"), and comment on at least two classmates' responses by the date indicated in the Course Calendar.

● What is the difference between crime and deviance? [MO1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.8]

Discussion Forum 2 In Discussion Forum 2 on the class Discussion Board, post your response to the following discussion question. Please identify the question you are answering in the subject line of your thread (e.g., "Discussion 2/[Your Name]"), and comment on at least two classmates' responses by the date indicated in the Course Calendar.

● What is the difference between crime rates and crime amounts, which method is preferred in criminology, and why is it preferred? [MO1.1, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7]

Copyright © 2015 by Thomas Edison State College. All rights reserved.