ISI - CRIM 3010 - Criminological Theory

Course Description

Criminological Theory is a review and assessment of common explanations of crime, deviant behavior and control. May include field trips.

This course will provide an introduction to the theories of criminal and deviant behavior. Criminological theories have a fascinating and often-times disturbing history that can be traced back the Middle Ages and the Age of Enlightenment. Over the centuries, they have evolved and become a key guiding force in contemporary criminal justice system policy and practice. This course will cover the historical development of criminological theories, their basic premises and key concepts, and their application in today’s world.

REQUIRED: Exam proctor required for this course.

Learner Outcomes

• Learning and integration: students will gain an understanding of the history and development of criminological thought and how it has shaped policy and practice over time. Students should be able to apply and critique theoretical explanations for criminal and deviant behavior.
• Thinking and creating: students will comprehend the logic of theoretical undertakings and will be able to apply that logic to typical and non-typical behaviors, redefining their understanding of human motivation and action.
• Communication: students will articulate and convey the meaning of theory in historical and contemporary contexts across a spectrum of behaviors.
• Perspective: students will explore their own perspectives about crime and deviance in order to better understand the root causes of atypical behavior.
• Practicing citizenship: students will apply principles of empathic and informed objectivity in order to understand and respect the many factors that contribute to offending behavior.

Required Course Materials

Vito, Gennaro F., and Jeffrey R. Maahs. Criminology: Theory, Research, and Policy, 5th edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2020. ISBN 9781284181784

Paternoster, Raymond, and Ronet Bachman. (2001). Explaining Criminals and Crime. Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 9780195329933

View Course Syllabus

Expected Course Timeline

Most ISI courses are designed so that students can complete them within 3 months to 1 year. If you are attempting to complete a course more quickly than this, please contact ISI to explore your options.

Sponsor Institution

Credits earned for this course are included in a University of Idaho transcript.

This is an INDEPENDENT STUDY IN IDAHO course

To learn about program and refund policies, visit www.uidaho.edu/isi.

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COURSE NUMBER NOTICE
Beginning with the 2025-2026 Catalog year, the University of Idaho transitioned to 4-digit course numbers. As ISI works through this transition, you may continue to see 3-digit course numbers during this time. A crosswalk is available online.