Introduction
This course provides students with an introductory review of the intellectual domain called criminology. Throughout the course, students learn about the origins and development of the discipline of criminology through a thorough review of the most notable social theory related to deviance and crime. In addition to a review of traditional criminological teachings, the course provides an opportunity to apply traditional theoretical frameworks within a modern context. That is, each chapter incorporates modern forms of crime, e.g., cybercrime, to promote a demonstrated and applied learning experience that is intended to strengthen the student’s ability to understand crime within the twenty-first century while strengthening their understanding of theory, policy, and practice.
To date, scholarship involving crime is extensive and is available to academics, practitioners, policymakers, students, etc. In fact, some might describe the voluminous amount of information a bit overwhelming. There are enumerable government databases that warehouse reports, monographs, fact sheets, bulletins, applied research, data sets and more! Although these data sources are invaluable to understanding the nature and extent of crime, new students may find themselves a bit overwhelmed by agencies and their proprietary nomenclature. Therefore, theoretical criminology is often viewed as antiquated and less relevant than the modern version of applied criminology.
Criminologists with an understanding of those traditional academic foundations are uniquely positioned to contribute to research and policy that addresses those challenges and evolving dynamics in the field of crime and criminal justice. One notable change in the landscape of crime and deviance is the cybercrime. The digital age has brought new forms of criminal activity, such as cybercrime, identity theft, online harassment, and various types of fraud. Criminologists should study these emerging forms of crime, understand their causes and consequences, and develop effective strategies to prevent and combat them.
Social scientists should continue to explore the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior. This includes investigating individual, social, economic, and environmental influences that may lead to criminality. By understanding the root causes, policymakers and practitioners can develop evidence-based interventions and prevention strategies. In addition, the benefit and importance of evidence-based practices in the criminal justice system must be both documented and communicated throughout the public sphere. More succinctly, research should inform policy decisions, law enforcement practices, correctional interventions, and crime prevention efforts. Evaluating the effectiveness of various approaches and interventions is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing recidivism.
As a course of study, criminology should also pay increased attention to the experiences and needs of victims of crime. This involves studying the impact of victimization, improving support services, and developing strategies to prevent victimization in the first place. Restorative justice approaches and victim-offender mediation can also be areas of focus. In addition, research and program evaluation within the criminal justice domain should examine the ways in which structural inequalities, systemic biases, and social injustices intersect with crime and the criminal justice system. This includes studying the disproportionate representation of marginalized communities in the criminal justice system and addressing issues of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in law enforcement, sentencing, and rehabilitation.
Given the complex nature of crime and its causes, criminology should collaborate with other disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, public health, and computer science. Interdisciplinary criminological research can provide a more comprehensive understanding of crime and contribute to innovative solutions.
Because criminology is a social science and provides a basis from which we can develop a robust understanding of the criminal mind, the nature of crime, and the role of institutions of social control, e.g., the police and prisons, we remain committed to making this ever-growing body of empirical research and practical knowledge available to most anybody with an Internet connection. Having said that, once students get past the web of government agencies and resources, they require basic knowledge about the philosophical underpinnings to give attention to social justice issues and government control of society vis-à-vis police, courts, and corrections.
