Important Note: This course was formerly PYCB 250.

Course Description

Crime comes in many different forms, is known since the beginning of humankind and yet it is almost impossible to create a way of lifestyle that eliminates criminal activity completely from a society. The questions raised after a crime are stable over time: when, where, who, but the most important one is why. This course tries to give an answer by analyzing theories of crime, biological and psychological models of criminal behavior, crime and mental disorders, human aggression and violent crimes, cyber crimes and other specific offenses. Students will learn how to profile an offender in base of their actions, risk factors in human development and policies of crime prevention. Students are required to develop critical thinking skills when analyzing case studies by using the theoretical material learned in class.

Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate:

• Summarize and List the main theories of crime.
• Classify the component parts of each model of criminal behavior.
• Use critical thinking to solve problems relating to behaviors and mental processes
• Deconstruct a case study and evaluate the relevance of the measures described in relation to crime prevention.
• Communicate effectively psychological profiles using oral formats
• Recognize socio-cultural and international diversity of Criminal Behaviors

Course Materials
Mandatory course reader

Course Fee
n/a