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Oct 23, 2026
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SOC 2261 - Introduction to Crime and Criminology
Credits: 3
Catalog Description
This course provides an overview and analysis of crime and its relationship to societal institutions such as the criminal justice system. Topics covered will focus on measurements of crime (crime data), the social implications and consequences of criminal law, theories of criminal motivation, theories of crime control, evaluation of crime control policy, victimology, and social justice movements related to the criminal justice system. Other special topics may include traditional street crime, white/blue/green-collar crime, juvenile crime, law enforcement conduct, and the relationship between the criminal justice system and other societal institutions.
Prerequisite(s) (must have a grade of C or better): None
Prerequisite(s) (must have a grade of C or better) or Corequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommended Skills, Abilities, or Coursework: College-level reading and writing. SOC 1111 is recommended.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Goal Area(s) fulfilled: Goal 05B: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal 09: Ethical and Civic Responsibility
Additional fee to student: No
Learner Outcomes
- Analyze changing patterns in crime and the limitations of crime data.
- Evaluate the social construction of crime and criminality and the changing trends in the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the various interconnections between multiple criminal issues and social problems as it relates to topics including but not limited to race, gender, age, and class.
- Critically evaluate media portrayals of criminals and the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of criminality and the implementation of justice.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of victims of crime.
- Apply knowledge of the social forces that cause and reduce deviance and crime to current issues.
Major Areas of Course Content
- Distinction between deviance and crime
- Sociological and non-sociological theories of deviance and criminality
- Multiple data sources commonly used by criminologists
- Contemporary issues and social justice movements related to the criminal justice system
- Changing patterns in crime
- Conduct and misconduct of law enforcement
- Changing trends in the criminal justice system
- The path of an accused offender from pre-arrest to completion of sentence
- Inherent complexities in the system regarding discretion, rights, and implementation of justice
Credit for Prior Learning Options
No credit for prior learning option is available for this course
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