Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the theoretical issues and differences across theory classification, and describe important theoretical and classification differences of the major theories used in explaining crime and delinquency.
  2. Discuss the differences between the preclassical school perspective and the classical theory of crime, especially in terms of the stance on human nature.
  3. Explain and critique the major ideas of the early biological theories of crime.
  4. Explain and critique the major ideas of early social structural theories of crime.
  5. Identify the progression of the development of biological theories of crime.
  6. Explain and apply the modern psychological theories of crime in relation to today’s crime and delinquency outcomes.