Criminology (Theory)

Paper Code: 
25SOC423
Credits: 
04
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to gain knowledge about recent advances in criminology, changing profile of crime and criminals, prison reforms in India, correctional measures and programmes and measures in prisons.

 

12.00
Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course

title

25SOC 423

Criminology(Theory)

CO110:Explore  the need to study Criminology for interpreting social realities

CO111:.Categorise various types of crimes and the causative factors

CO112:Determine the factors responsible for changing profile of crime and criminals in contemporary society

CO113:.Evaluate various theories  and forms of  punishment

CO114: Analyze  correctional reforms in prisons and rehabilitation programmes

CO115:Contribute effectively in course specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Lecture and Classroom discussions (Tool-Power Point Presentations)

Learning activities for the students:

Assignments will be given. Interactive sessions on the basis of assignments

Continuous test on the topic/quiz, student presentations and assignments.

 

Unit I: 
Introduction to Criminology
  • Criminology: meaning, nature and scope
  • Schools of Criminology
  •  Need for studying Criminology

 

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Basic Concepts and Perspectives
  • Crime: concept and types: organized,occupational,professional and political crimes
  • Perspectives on crime causation: Classical, Psychogenic, Sociological and Marxian

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Profile of Criminals
  • Changing profile of crime and criminals: crime against women and children, juvenile delinquency, cyber crimes and corruption
  • Changing socio-economic profile of criminals in contemporary India

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Punishment

·        Theories of Punishment: Retributive, Deterrent, Preventive and Reformative

·        Efficacy of punishment

·        Forms of punishment and Judicial Sentencing

Capital Punishment

12.00
Unit V: 
Prison and Prisoners
  • Historyof prison reforms in India; prison reforms in contemporary India
  • Classification of prisoners
  • Alternatives to Imprisonment: Probation, Parole, Open prisons and Rehabilitation

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Ahuja, Ram. 2001. Criminology. Jaipur: Rawat Publications.
  • Paranjape, N.V. 2014. Criminology & Penology with Victimology. Allahabhad: Central Law Publications.
  • Yar, Majid. 2006. Cyber Crime and Society. London: Sage Publications

 

References: 

SUGGESTED READINGS:

  • Barnes,H.E. & Teeters, N.K., 1959:New Horizons in Criminology, New York: Prentice Hall
  • Clinard, M.B., 1961: Sociology of Deviant Behaviour, New York: Rinehart and Winston
  • Bedi, Kiran, 1998: It Is Always Possible, New Delhi: Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
  • Gill, S.S., 1998: The Pathology of Corruption, New Delhi: Harper Collins
  • Goel, Rakesh & Manohar s. Powar, 1994: Computer Crime: Concept, Control and Prevention, Bombay: Sysman Computers Pvt, Ltd.
  • Sutherland, Edwin H. & Donald R. Cressey, 1968: Principles of Criminology, Bombay: The Times of India Press

 

e-RESOURCES:

 

JOURNALS:

  • Crimonology and Social Justice, Sage Publications
  • Asian Journal of Criminology, Springer

 

 

 

Academic Session: 
2025-26
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