Crime makes a large impact on the lives of Americans. This course introduces students to social scientific theory explaining crime and criminal behavior, with an emphasis on sociological theory. Course topics include basic definitions of common crimes, different methods of measuring crime, diverse theories of criminology, and explorations of the social origins of crime and criminal behavior. Students will explore how legislators, politicians, mass media, law enforcement, the courts, and the corrections system all have a profound impact on the nature of crime. Prerequisites: CJ 100