CRJ 335: Victimology

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:

  1. Identify basic terms, concepts and ideas in victimology.
  2. Compare and contrast the historical development of victimology and its subfields.
  3. Analyze contemporary problems and trends in victimology.
  4. Debate the functions, operations & management of the criminal justice system.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

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 Book Bundle

  • 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

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 1: Introduction and History of Victimology
    • Chapter 2: An Overview of the Justice System
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review PowerPoint Presentation
  • Review Weekly Supplemental material
  • Participate in the Bio Discussion
  • Participate in the Discussion

2

3,4

Topics: Measurement of Crime and Consequences of Victimization

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 3: Measurement of Crime and Its Effects
    • Chapter 4: The Consequences of Victimization
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review PowerPoint Presentation
  • Review Weekly Supplemental material
  • Participate in the Discussion
  • Submit topic for research for your term paper

3

3,4

Topics: Victim Advocacy and Homicide Victims

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 5: Victim Advocacy
    • Chapter 6: Homicide Victims
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review PowerPoint Presentation
  • Review Weekly Supplemental material
  • Participate in the Discussion
  • Submit bibliography for term paper

4

3

Topics: Sexual Victimization and Intimate Partner Abuse

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 7: Sexual Victimization
    • Chapter 8: Intimate Partner Abuse
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review PowerPoint Presentation
  • Review Weekly Supplemental material
  • Participate in the Discussion
  • Take the Midterm Exam

Midterm Exam
Chapters 1-8
SLOs 1-4

5

3

Topics: Child Abuse and Elder Victims

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 9: Child Abuse
    • Chapter 10: Elder Victims
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review PowerPoint Presentation
  • Review Weekly Supplemental material
  • Participate in the Discussion
  • Submit outline for term paper

6

3

Topics: Hate Crimes and Special Victim Populations

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 11: Hate Crimes
    • Chapter 12: Special Victim Populations
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review PowerPoint Presentation
  • Review Weekly Supplemental material
  • Participate in the Discussion
  • Submit rough draft for term paper

7

2,4

Topics: Negligence and Intentional Torts

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 13: Negligence and Intentional Torts
    • Chapter 14: Constitutional and Civil Rights of Victim
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review PowerPoint Presentation
  • Review Weekly Supplemental material
  • Participate in the Discussion
  • Submit Research Paper

8

2,3,4

Topics: Compensation and Restitution of Victims

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 15: Compensation and Restitution of Victims
    • Chapter 16: Victim Impact Statements
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review PowerPoint Presentation
  • Review Weekly Supplemental material
  • Participate in the Discussion
  • Take the Final Exam
  • Complete Course Evaluation

Final Exam
Chapters 9-16
SLOs 1-4

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.