UMUC-Europe Syllabus

CCJS 360 Victimology (3) (Fulfills the general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences.) Prerequisite: CCJS 100 or CCJS 105. An overview of the history and theory of victimology in which patterns of victimization are analyzed, with emphasis on types of victims and of crimes. The interaction between victims of crime and the system of criminal justice is considered in terms of the role of the victim and the services that the victim is offered. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CCJS 360 or CRIM 360.

Course Goals/Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to: 1 articulate the various theories related to victimization 2 discuss the role in which victims play in criminal activities and the relationship between victim and offender 3 articulate the psychological and social implications of the aftermath of victimization 4 discusse changes in legislation to address the needs of the victim and victim's rights 5 evaluate the criminal justice system's response to victims

Course Introduction:

This course will provide students with an overview of the history and current state of the field of victimology. To this end, the student will explore the role of victimology in today's criminal justice system, examine the types and consequences of victimization and the various remedies now available for victims.

Grading Information and Criteria:

Students will be graded by: Midterm Exam = 35% Final Exam = 35% Participation = 10% Paper/project = 20% The grading scale in this course will be determined as follows: A = 90%-100% B = 80%-89% C = 70%-79% D = 60%-69% F = 0%-59%

Other Information:

None

Project Descriptions:

Select one of the following options for your project. Detailed criteria for researching, writing and presenting your project will be available the first week of class. 1. Some states or cities publish their own version of the Uniform Crime Report (UCR). Obtain a copy of either your or a neighboring state's or city's UCR and develop a profile of either crime against the elderly, domestic violence, forcible rape, or crime against children in your state. 2. The Vital Health Statistics publishes mortality annual data for every state in the U.S. Homicide figures are available according to the age of the victim and cause of death. Compare and contrast your state's (or a state of your choosing) figures over the past several years with national (or your countries') figures for child maltreatment. 3. Suppose that the administration at your college campus is interested in conducting a student survey pertaining to the problem of theft on college campuses. What advice would you give regarding the design of the instrument? What kinds of information do you think would be helpful to gather about each theft incident? Suppose your victimology class has volunteered to construct the survey questionnaire. Develop a series of screen question to be used in this survey.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

Session 1 Introduction; Definitions Ch. 1 The Criminal Justice Response to Victims Victims' Perceptions of Criminal Justice Victim Movement Session 2 Trends and Scope of Victimization Ch. 2 What is Victimology? Paper Topic Due Session 3 Extent of Victimization Ch. 2 Victimization Surveys Writing Assignment (Optional) Session 4 The Cost and Consequences of Victimization Ch. 3 Risk Factors; Attribution Session 5 Victim Remedies Ch.4 Restitution Civil Litigation Compensation Session 6 The Role of the Victim Ch. 4 Victim Rights: Major Issues in Research and Policy Amendments Legislation Statements Participation Session 7 Midterm Examination Session 8 Family Abuse I Ch. 5 Spousal Abuse Child Abuse Elder Abuse Session 9 Family Abuse & Violence II Ch. 5 Spousal Abuse Child Abuse Elder Abuse Session 10 Sexual Assault Session 11 Homicide I Extent and Trends Theories of Victimization Session 12 Homicide II Media Influence The Survivors Research Paper Due Session 13 Victimization Work or School: Extent, Ch. 6 Causes and Prevention Session 14 Legal Rights & Justice Ch.7 Session 15 Paper Presentations Session 16 Final Examination