This initial phase of criminology study presents an overview of the theories and practices of the field, including the various social, political, cultural and economic influences on crime trends throughout history. Students read case studies about famous crimes, personal stories of victims and examine the inner workings of the criminal justice system. These introductory courses are designed to give students an impression of the scope of the program and help them to focus their attention on more specialized areas within the subject.
Research is a vital aspect of any social science, so a course in qualitative or quantitative research methods is required by most comprehensive criminology programs. Instructors frequently combine the two approaches to round out the results. Using field notes, surveys and data charts, students observe and report their findings on personal and societal trends that lead to crime, as well as the success rate of various deterrent efforts and legislative measures over time.
This is a popular course among criminology students; it explores the phenomenon of antisocial and destructive behavior among children and young adults. The laws which govern this type of crime differ considerably from prosecution trends for adults, so entire classes are dedicated to the unique motives, circumstances and consequences for youth offenders. Emphasis is placed on theories of prevention and minimization of harmful social effects on at-risk youths.
Courses that focus more closely on the specifics of law enforcement and incarceration look at the conditions of the prison industrial complex and the experiences of convicted individuals on a personal and collective level. Students debate the financial cost of housing criminals behind bars and address the various alternatives to the age-old system, which is often wrought with violence. Scholars look at the evolution of criminal law and how it is applied within different contexts before discussing the possible direction of applied legislation in the future.