SOCI 223 - Critical Criminology

FC SSCI CD

4 credits
Starting from the understanding of law and crime as social constructs, this course introduces students to dominant critical criminological theories including labeling theory, critical race theory, and theories of the carceral state. This overview of classical criminological theories examines the socio-historical contexts, limitations, and drawbacks of these theories as well as their role in shaping the criminal justice system. Critical criminology will be contextualized as responses to these classical criminological theories, alongside the growing focus on crime as astructural rather than individual and/or subgroup issue, the call for centering marginalized voices and perspectives, and the need to focus on systemic inequality. The historical context of the growth and policy implementation of critical criminological theories since the 1960s will also be addressed, alongside structural inequalities of race, gender, socioeconomic status, and indigeneity.

This course is appropriate for new students.