SOC 4453 - Homicide

This course aims to provide an understanding of the extent and scope of murder in the United States by focusing on the various aspects of homicide from social, cultural, historical, and legal frameworks. Definitions and important terminology will be examined as well as various research methodologies, theories, and policy issues and implications among sociology, criminology, and the criminal justice system. Students will explore a variety of related concepts of killing, including homicide typologies, homicidal patterns related to both victims and offenders, theoretical approaches to understanding killing, societal reactions, and punishment options. The many myths surrounding serial murder and how society perpetuates such myths will be discussed and analyzed, as well as how media representations of homicide impact societal perceptions generally. An in-depth, scholarly approach to examining murder, including the biological, psychological, and sociological influences will be introduced and incorporated in an informed and well-analyzed social science sense.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 2275