This unit introduces the major theories of criminology which have informed research, legislative and law enforcement debates in Western jurisdictions since the nineteenth century. It examines the role of theory and critical research questions which attempt to explain why crime has occurred, and the structure and functions of the various aspects of the criminal justice system and its agents. A combination of theoretical and applied examples is provided in order to illustrate the importance of, and contradictions between, various theoretical approaches informing our understanding of crime in contemporary society. -- Course Website
Instructor: N Asquith
