Course Content: Criminology is a high-interest graduation elective. This course covers both the history and the theory of crime. It also addresses the debate regarding the causes of criminal behaviour and asks the question, “Are criminals made or born?” Mental illness and its link to violent crime is also examined, with some focus on psychopathic, sociopathic and schizophrenic behaviours.

Issues examined include the death penalty, vigilantism, domestic violence, sexual abuse, violence against women, the legalization of drugs, organized crime, and mass and serial murder. A study is undertaken of a variety of crimes and infamous criminals.

This course focuses heavily on class discussion with written responses often required regarding issues discussed.

Speakers: police, prison officials, prisoners, and social workers.

Field Trips: Wilkinson Road Jail and police crime labs where possible.