Course Description
This course covers contemporary developments in the field of victimology, its conceptual boundaries, its basic concepts and literature, its subfields and role as a field of study within criminology and criminal justice. The historical and emerging roles of victimology as a field of study are examined and discussed in depth. Special attention is paid to apply learning objectives with respect to each student's personal experiences with the human dimensions of victimization. This course also deals with analysis of contemporary programs and trends in the criminal justice system's response to victims. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- CRJ 101: Criminal Justice
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon completion of the course students will have achieved the following goals:
- Identify basic terms, concepts and ideas in victimology.
- Compare and contrast the historical development of victimology and its subfields.
- Analyze contemporary problems and trends in victimology.
- Debate the functions, operations & management of the criminal justice system.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (100 pts each, Weeks 1-8) | 20% |
Written Assignments (Weeks 1-3 & 5-7) | 20% |
Midterm Exam (Week 4) | 20% |
Research Paper (Week 5) | 20% |
Final Exam (Week 8) | 20% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore
- Wallace, Harvey. (2019). Victimology: Legal, Psychological and Social Perspectives. 5th ed. Pearson Education. ISBN-13: 978-0-13-487-1059
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,2 | Topics: History of Victimology and Overview of the Justice System
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2 | 3,4 | Topics: Measurement of Crime and Consequences of Victimization
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3 | 3,4 | Topics: Victim Advocacy and Homicide Victims
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4 | 3 | Topics: Sexual Victimization and Intimate Partner Abuse
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Midterm Exam | |||
5 | 3 | Topics: Child Abuse and Elder Victims
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6 | 3 | Topics: Hate Crimes and Special Victim Populations
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7 | 2,4 | Topics: Negligence and Intentional Torts
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8 | 2,3,4 | Topics: Compensation and Restitution of Victims
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Final Exam | |||
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.