There is a lot to learn when you begin studying criminal justice. There are various theories, a large number of case studies, and a seemingly infinite number of research articles. Moreover, the theories and approaches evolve over time; that is, what was being used in the field yesterday may not be used in the field tomorrow. The best way to get started is with foundations: the critical, fundamental basis and principles used in criminal justice.

In at least 250-words, explain at least three insights you’ve gained in this foundational week of criminal theories and practice. Some example questions you could answer are: What is the most exciting piece of new information you have learned in this first week? What information has surprised or shocked you? How have early approaches to criminology changed in modern times? What is something you didn’t understand in this week and what information do you need to help your understanding? What are you excited to learn more about? How do you think criminology will evolve in the future? Learning Resources Note: To access this Module’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus. Identify Early Approaches to Criminology Required Readings Schram, P. J. (2017). Introduction to Criminology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Chapter 1: Introduction to Criminology Time Estimate: 40 minutes Introduction to Criminology, 2nd Edition, by Schram, P. J. Copyright 2017 by Sage College. Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center. Schram, P. J. (2017). Introduction to Criminology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Chapter 3: Classical School of Criminology Thought Time Estimate: 40 minutes Introduction to Criminology, 2nd Edition, by Schram, P. J. Copyright 2017 by Sage College. Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center. Schram, P. J. (2017). Introduction to Criminology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Chapter 4: Contemporary Classical and Deterrence Research Time Estimate: 40 minutes Introduction to Criminology, 2nd Edition, by Schram, P. J. Copyright 2017 by Sage College. Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center. DeLisi, M. (2016). The big data potential of epidemiological studies for criminology and forensics. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases. Required Media William Sheldon Talks Somatotypes. (2016, Jan 14). [Video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElnAtfFoaUM Time Estimate: 3 minutes Assess the Central Tenets of Criminological Theories Required Readings McLaughlin, E., & Muncie, J. P. (Eds.). (2013). Sage dictionary of criminology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Time Estimate: 60 minutes Sage dictionary of criminology (Third Ed.), by McLaughlin, E., & Muncie, J. P. Copyright 2013 by Sage Publications Ltd. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications Ltd., via the Copyright Clearance Center. Schram, P. J. (2017). Introduction to Criminology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Chapter 8: Social Structure Theories of Crime I Time Estimate: 40 minutes Introduction to Criminology, 2nd Edition, by Schram, P. J. Copyright 2017 by Sage College. Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center. Schram, P. J. (2017). Introduction to Criminology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Chapter 9: Social Structure Theories of Crime II Time Estimate: 40 minutes Introduction to Criminology, 2nd Edition, by Schram, P. J. Copyright 2017 by Sage College. Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center. Schram, P. J. (2017). Introduction to Criminology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Chapter 10: Social Process and Control Theories of Crime Time Estimate: 40 minutes Introduction to Criminology, 2nd Edition, by Schram, P. J. Copyright 2017 by Sage College. Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center. Schram, P. J. (2017). Introduction to Criminology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Chapter 11: Labeling Theory and Conflict/Marxist/Radical Theories of Crime Time Estimate: 40 minutes Introduction to Criminology, 2nd Edition, by Schram, P. J. Copyright 2017 by Sage College. Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center. Schram, P. J. (2017). Introduction to Criminology. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. Chapter 12: Feminist Theories of Crime Time Estimate: 40 minutes Introduction to Criminology, 2nd Edition, by Schram, P. J. Copyright 2017 by Sage College. Reprinted by permission of Sage College via the Copyright Clearance Center.