CRJS 4003

(3 credits) 3 hours lecture Relying primarily on a lecture and group discussion format, the course will involve examining the original works of selected theorists. Emphasis will be placed on the economic, political, and social context in which theories emerged and how they are reflected in criminal justice practice. Among the perspectives covered will be: positivist explanations; the classical and neo-classical schools of thought; biological explanations; conflict criminology; and the new integrated and interdisciplinary theories.