SOC291: CRIMINOLOGY
Module 2—Rational Choice and Trait (Biological and Psychological) Theories
OVERVIEW Your textbook discusses many criminology theories. At first glance, most of these theories are confusing and difficult to understand. It does not help that within the social sciences, criminology probably has more explanations (theories) for crime than any other social science discipline. The modern student of criminology must understand the historical roots of how crime has been explained, considered and acted upon because these ideas, even ancient ones repeatedly resurface and are given credence and importance, even to this day. Although individual preferences vary, it is probably a good idea to maintain a notebook summarizing theoretical statements (name of the theory, the major category of the theory (positivist, social process, conflict, etc.), the important statements made concerning the theory, the significant names associated with the theory, and the time periods of major influence of the theory). This strategy will assist in keeping all of the theoretical statements organized in a condensed manner, and will be especially helpful in studying for the examinations. Criminological theories influence and help to shape a society’s perception of crime, attitudes toward offenders and victims, and beliefs about what can and should be done to prevent and/or control crime. In general, theories may be divided into two broad categories, intuitive theories and grounded theories, often a combination of the two. Continue to read Module 2 Summary .
TOPICS Module 2 covers the following topics: ● Demonological, Classical, and Neoclassical concepts of crime ● “NewClassicism” and the reversal of Neoclassical theory ● Biological theories of crime causation ● Psychological theories of crime causation
Copyright © 2015 by Thomas Edison State College. All rights reserved.
OBJECTIVES After successfully completing the learning activities for Module 2, you should be able to: ● MO2.1 Explain the major principles of the Classical and Neoclassical schools of criminological thought. (CO3, CO4) ● MO2.2 Identify modernday practices that embody the principles of the Classical and Neoclassical schools. (CO4, CO5) ● MO2.3 Discuss the policy implications of the Classical and Neoclassical schools, as well as the impact of NewClassicism. (CO5) ● MO2.4 Assess the shortcomings of the various “Classical” approaches. (CO5) ● MO2.5 Identify the fundamental assumptions made by the biological theorists of crime causation. (CO3, CO4) ● MO2.6 Assess the shortcomings of the biological theories of criminal behavior. (CO4) ● MO2.7 Describe the contributions of psychology and psychiatry to the understanding of criminal behavior. (CO3, CO4) ● MO2.8 Discuss the unique characteristics of those found not guilty of a crime by reason of insanity. (CO4)
STUDY MATERIALS Reading Assignments ●
Read Module 2 Summary. (Note: You must read and review each module summary as it is especially helpful in studying for the examinations.) Read Chapters 4 and 5 of Criminology: The Core by Siegel.
● Web Links
The following Web links may enhance your study or help with writing assignments: ● National Institute of Justice ● Uniform Crime Reports ● Bureau of Justice Statistics ● Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics ● American Society of Criminology ● Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
ACTIVITIES Module 2 has two activities. Please consult the Course Calendar for the due date. Copyright © 2015 by Thomas Edison State College. All rights reserved.
Discussion Forum 3 In Discussion Forum 3 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 3/[Your Name]"), and comment on at least two classmates' responses by the date indicated in the Course Calendar. ● What are the differences between the three “Classical” notions of crime: Classical, Neoclassical and NewClassicism, and what are their weaknesses? [MO2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4]
Discussion Forum 4 In Discussion Forum 4 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 4/[Your Name]"), and comment on at least two classmates' responses by the date indicated in the Course Calendar. ● Are delinquents less intelligent than nondelinquents? [MO2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8]
Copyright © 2015 by Thomas Edison State College. All rights reserved.