SOCI 2311 - Juvenile Justice

4.5 Credits

This course examines juvenile delinquency from a sociological and practical perspective. Topics include definitions of juvenile delinquency; theoretical explanations; the various causes of juvenile delinquency; and methods of prevention, treatment, and control.

Prerequisites: (1) SOCI 1010

Lecture Hours: 4.5
Lab Hours: 0.0
Internship Hours: 0.0
Clinical or Practicum Hours: 0.0

Course Objectives

Discuss the historical development of the study of delinquency and illustrate its relationship with positivistic criminology.
Distinguish among, and critically evaluate, the theories of causation and treatment of juvenile delinquency.
Illustrate the various data collection procedures related to delinquency and assess studies conducted to evaluate the extent, severity, and consequences of delinquent behavior.
Evaluate the role of the family as a factor in both the cause of and solution to delinquency.
Review the impact of multi-problem situations, such as addictions, poverty, and / or family abuse, on development of delinquency.
Describe the workings of the juvenile justice system and compare it with the adult criminal court system.
Evaluate the social and psychological methods of treatment of delinquent behavior and explain how success is measured in such programs.
Compare and contrast pure and rehabilitative prevention programs.
Examine the existence of cultural bias and other multicultural issues as related to explaining and dealing with delinquency.

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