In this flexible schedule class, we will learn about Criminology. Criminology is the study of crime and society’s response to it.  In this basic, introductory course, we consider the fundamentals of criminology; we look at a range of topics in criminology at the societal and individual level.  Some of the fundamental questions in the discipline (e.g., what is the root cause of crime? What form of punishment is appropriate? How can crime be prevented?) are examined.   

Many of the main theories in crime causation are looked at in depth: rational choice, social learning theory, strain theory, deterrence, and biological theories related to crime.  Additionally, we will discuss theory as applied to victimology, punishment, and juvenile justice. A cross section of crime categories and typologies are briefly touched on. By the end of the course, students will have been exposed to many of the major theories and processes in crime-making and the criminal justice system.  

As a flex class, we will not meet live!  Each week will be a flexible schedule.

Student Learning Outcomes:
•	classify and analyze the various criminological theories in order to explain the origins of criminal conduct. 
•	classify and analyze the different crime types, trends, and patterns in order to understand a generalized connection between criminology and the criminal justice system.



*This is a flexible schedule class. Each lesson will be delivered via a prerecorded video that will be uploaded into the classroom every week. Each week, students will be assigned an activity to complete related to the prerecorded video. Students have the opportunity to discuss criminological issues with peers and the instructor in classroom discussion threads, as well as obtain a well-rounded introduction to the subject of criminology. Each student will be required to comment on peer activity postings at least once each week, as directed by the activity, throughout the course, in order to to develop a sense of community in the class. The instructor will be available to help and will provide individual feedback throughout the course.