CRMMINU - Criminology

Undergraduate Minor

College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Undergraduate

Criminology is a sub-discipline within Sociology that examines the definitions, forms, causes, and societal reactions to norm-violating and criminal behavior. While the proposed Criminology minor is not intended to train applied practitioners such as law enforcement officers or social workers, it does provide a foundation for students seeking to supplement their major area of study by facilitating the development of a substantive knowledge base and critical thinking skillset required for these types of occupations. The curriculum also provides an important foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in criminology, sociology, law, or justice.
The required and elective ¿core¿ courses (see curriculum chart below) for the minor offer an introduction to criminology, juvenile delinquency, policing and society, and the sociology of rights, justice, the law, while the electives provide additional exposure to various forms of social inequality as well as crime, deviance, and social control.

- Knowledge of social inequality, Student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of social inequalities in contemporary societies based on class, gender, race, and/or sexual orientation and demonstrate knowledge about how to critically evaluate arguments about and solutions to inequality and diversity in society.
- Knowledge of social institutions; Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the key social institutions in sociology (the family, education, religion, work/economy, and/or law/political institutions) and their interconnections.
- Knowledge of how to think critically about social issues in contemporary society; Students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills, complex reasoning, and written communication skills.