SOC-260

Criminological theory addresses the most important question to those who study crime: why do people commit (or choose not to commit) crime? As one of the most active subfields of sociology, criminology has developed and tested numerous theoretical frameworks to explain criminal behavior. These theories have drawn on traditional sociological theory as well as insights from evolutionary biology, medicine, developmental psychology, economics, philosophy, and history to construct their explanations, often with implications for explaining human behavior beyond crime itself. In this class, students will be exposed to a wide range of theories used to explain criminal behavior as well as the empirical strengths and weaknesses of each of these theories. The class will emphasize debating the validity of theoretical frames, the usefulness of theory to addressing individual and collective behavior, and the policy implications of each theory. Assessment will be based on a combination of individual writing, small group work, class discussion, and culminating presentations. Note: Course meetings will occur at the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP). The class will be composed of incarcerated and non-incarcerated students. Students must follow all rules and guidelines of the Penitentiary. Consent of the instructor is required, and students must also submit to, and pass, a criminal background check conducted by the Penitentiary. All semester, the course will meet at a non-standard time. Interested students should contact the instructor as soon as possible. Prerequisites: Sociology 117 (recommended); and consent of instructor (required). Distribution areas: Social Sciences, Power and Equity, The Individual and Society.

Academic Credit, DIST-SOCIAL SCIENCES, Academic Evaluate Course, The Individual & Society, Power and Equity