Criminology Course Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary aim of the criminology course?

To provide an overview of various scientific disciplines

To understand the nature and extent of crime (correct)

To prepare students for legal practice

To explore sociological theories exclusively

Which of the following topics is NOT included in the course outline?

Legal ethics (correct)

Intimate partner violence

Green criminology

Organised crime and terrorism

What distinguishes criminology from legal studies?

Criminology relies solely on legal concepts

Criminology is a normative discipline

Criminology focuses only on law enforcement

Criminology has different concepts and thinking (correct)

What is the significance of the course's online components?

Links to published materials are available for remote learners Signup and view all the answers

Which week is designated as a break week in the course outline?

Week 42 Signup and view all the answers

What type of questions will be included in the exam?

40 multiple choice questions Signup and view all the answers

How will students receive supplementary exam preparation materials?

Discussion during tutorials Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is specifically included in the criminological theory week?

Criminological theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Sutherland's controversial book?

Crimes committed by large corporate entities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines state crime?

Crimes resulting from actions by actors within the state Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of a modern state crime?

Censorship by governments Signup and view all the answers

What does the state corporate crime perspective focus on?

Interaction between state policies and corporate actions Signup and view all the answers

Which decade marked the beginning of criminology's focus on environmental crimes?

1990s Signup and view all the answers

Green criminology studies which of the following?

Environmental crimes and violations of regulations Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about green crimes is accurate?

They can have long-term impacts on ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What aspect separates green criminology from traditional criminology?

Involves the study of non-human life as victims Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of criminology according to the definition provided?

The exploration of harmful behaviors and societal responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT considered when examining the causes of crime?

Personal interests of victims. Signup and view all the answers

Who coined the term 'white-collar crime' and what was the defining characteristic?

Sutherland; crime committed by persons of high social status in their occupation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key point of debate regarding the mainstream approach to criminology?

Should criminology focus exclusively on legal violations? Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about harmful behavior that is not criminalized?

It is often a result of social construction. Signup and view all the answers

Which question best addresses the evaluation aspect of criminological research?

How can crime be prevented and what are the effects of punishment? Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why administrative (regulatory) law violations can be significant?

They may cause more significant harm than some criminal laws. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge arises in determining which behaviors are criminalized?

The subjective nature of social construction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Criminology

Criminology is the scientific study of crime and its causes.
It draws upon various disciplines like sociology, anthropology, economics, law, biology, and data science.
The goal of the course is to understand crime and harm, its theoretical explanations, and responses.
Criminology is not a normative discipline; it differs from legal studies in its approach to concepts, thinking, and language.

Aim of the Course

The course introduces the discipline of criminology to law students.
It covers a range of topics and concepts related to crime.

Teachers

Thomas Joyce
Michael van Ginkel
Emma Jaspaert
Toine Spapens (course coordinator)

Course Outline

Week 37: Introduction to criminology and the social construction of crime.
Week 38: Responses to crime 1: punishment.
Week 39: Responses to crime 2: prevention and alternatives.
Week 40: Criminological theory.
Week 41: Intimate partner violence.
Week 42: Break week (no tutorials).
Week 43: Evidence gathering in criminal procedures.
Week 44: Organized crime and terrorism.
Week 45: Cybercrime.
Week 46: Maritime crime.
Week 47: Green criminology.

Exam Information

The exam is on campus (or via TestVision if possible).
No reading material, slides, or notes are permitted during the exam.
It consists of 40 multiple-choice questions.
There is no midterm exam.
Practice exams are available on Canvas.
Additional sample questions will be discussed during tutorials.

Practical Information

The course material includes customized papers on Canvas and published materials.
Links to published material are provided in the course manual (VPN access may be required).
Teaching videos and slides are accessible on Canvas.
Videos are subtitled.
Slides from tutorials will be posted on Canvas.
All course materials, including slides and spoken word, are copyrighted.
Tutorials are 1–1.5 hours long, including a recap of the material and Q&A.
Tutorials are interactive and recommended.

Criminological Research Questions

(Definition): What types of harmful behavior are considered criminal and why?
(Scope): What is the size of specific crime problems? How can it be measured? How are specific crimes committed, and what knowledge, skills, and tools are required?
(Explanation): What causes crime, and how is criminal behavior explained? (Personal level: biological, psychological, etc.; Social and institutional level: historical, cultural, economical, political, etc.)
(Consequences): What are the consequences of crime for perpetrators, victims, societies, and ecosystems?
(Evaluation): How can crime be tackled? What is the effect of punishment? How can crime be prevented?

Criminology

Criminology studies the nature, causes, and responses to criminal behavior.
The mainstream approach focuses on behaviors that violate criminal law.
Whether criminologists should limit their focus to the law is debated.

Mainstream as a Contested Concept

Not all socially harmful behaviors are criminalized.
Some socially harmful behaviors are regulated by administrative authorities.
Criminal law reflects societal norms and is a social construction, not necessarily an objective process.
Violations of administrative laws can cause significant harm.

First Expansion: White-Collar Crime

Sutherland defined white-collar crime as committed by respectable individuals in their professional capacity (1949).
The definition had a significant impact and controversy.

Second Expansion: State Crime

Throughout history, crimes have been committed by entities like the church and monarchies.
State crime is actions of state actors that violate domestic and international law, human rights, and cause harm to society.

Examples of State Crime

Crimes by security forces (e.g., genocide, torture, imprisonment without trial)
Political crimes (e.g., censorship, corruption)
Ecological destruction (e.g., wartime pollution)

State Corporate Crime Perspective

Developed by Michalowski and Kramer (1993).
Examines the interplay between state policies/practices and corporate policies/practices that cause harm.

Third Expansion: Green Criminology

Expanded criminology to include environmental harms and crimes targeting non-human entities.
Emerged in the early 1990s.
Green crimes affect human and non-human life, ecosystems, and the biosphere.

New Development: Criminology of the Global South

Criminological research is heavily influenced by Western Europe and the United States.
There's a need for criminological theories that apply to the Global South.

New Development: Rural Criminology

Criminology often overlooks rural crime.
Crime levels in rural areas may be lower overall.
However, the types of crime differ (e.g., more violent crime, property crimes like illegal logging).

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Description

Test your knowledge of the criminology course, including its aims, outline, and key concepts. This quiz covers various topics such as criminological theories and state crime, as well as the structure of the course itself. Perfect for students preparing for upcoming exams.