May 1, 2024
Updated July 7, 2025
12 minute read
Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws on sociology, psychology, economics, and other social sciences to understand the causes of crime and the ways to prevent it. Criminology is a fascinating and challenging field that can provide a deep understanding of human behavior and the social problems that plague our communities.
Why Study Criminology?
There are many reasons why someone might want to study criminology. Some people are interested in learning about the causes of crime and the ways to prevent it. Others are interested in working in the criminal justice system, such as law enforcement, corrections, or social work. Still others are interested in the psychological and social aspects of crime, such as the impact of crime on victims and the role of media in shaping public perceptions of crime.
What Will I Learn in a Criminology Course?
Criminology courses cover a wide range of topics, including the following:
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Reading list
We've selected 26 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Criminology.
This widely used and highly regarded textbook that provides a broad overview of the field of criminology. It covers major theories of crime, examines different types of crime, and discusses the criminal justice system. is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of criminology and is commonly used in undergraduate programs.
This powerful and widely discussed book argues that the US criminal justice system functions as a contemporary system of racial control, akin to the Jim Crow laws of the past, through policies like the War on Drugs and mass incarceration. It is essential reading for understanding contemporary issues of race, crime, and justice in the United States.
This handbook provides an authoritative and comprehensive overview of key topics in criminology, featuring contributions from leading experts. It is an invaluable resource for both broad understanding and deepening knowledge, covering theoretical perspectives, research methods, and various areas of crime and justice. It serves as a strong reference tool for students and professionals.
Offers a comprehensive exploration of criminological theories, situating them within their historical and social contexts. It's valuable for deepening understanding by examining the development and implications of various theoretical perspectives. It is often used as a core text in undergraduate and graduate criminology courses.
This comprehensive textbook provides a broad overview of the field of criminology, covering major theories, patterns, and typologies of crime. It is particularly helpful for students seeking a foundational understanding of the causes and consequences of criminal behavior.
A more concise version of Siegel's comprehensive textbook, this book provides a solid introduction to the core concepts and theories in criminology. It good option for those seeking a foundational understanding without delving into extensive detail and is often used in introductory criminology courses.
Provides a deep theoretical analysis of punishment in modern society, drawing on sociological theory. It is valuable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the societal functions and implications of punishment and is often used in graduate-level courses.
This textbook provides a contemporary and applied introduction to criminology, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field and its links to broader social and global issues. It includes topical examples and is suitable for students seeking an engaging overview of core and emergent topics.
Based on the author's ethnographic research, this book provides a compelling and intimate look at the lives of individuals in a Chicago housing project, including the dynamics of a crack-dealing gang. It offers valuable insights into urban poverty, crime, and the complexities of social structures often studied in criminology.
Delves into contemporary critical perspectives within criminology, exploring topics such as green criminology, indigenous criminology, and intersectionality. It is valuable for students and professionals looking to engage with current and emerging critical approaches to understanding crime and justice.
This collection of readings explores the intersections of crime, inequality, and power from a critical criminology perspective. It is useful for understanding how social structures and power dynamics influence crime and criminal justice. It's suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate study.
This influential book uses the concept of 'moral panic' to analyze the social and political reaction to 'mugging' in 1970s Britain. It offers a critical perspective on how crime is socially constructed and how the state and media contribute to the perception and control of crime. It crucial text for understanding critical criminology and media studies in relation to crime.
Written by leading sociologists, this book examines crime and criminal behavior from a sociological perspective. It explores the social and structural factors that contribute to crime, such as poverty, inequality, and social disorganization.
Considered a foundational text in classical criminology, Beccaria's work critically examines the criminal justice system of his time and advocates for reforms based on rational principles. is essential for understanding the historical roots of criminological thought and the development of key concepts like deterrence and the abolition of torture and the death penalty.
Offers a comprehensive overview of criminology, potentially with a focus on comparative or global perspectives given the author's work. It would be suitable for gaining a broad understanding and exploring the field beyond a single national context.
A classic and foundational text on white-collar crime, Sutherland's work introduced this crucial concept to criminology. It is essential for understanding the history and development of this area of study and remains highly relevant for contemporary discussions of corporate and elite deviance.
Examines crime and criminal behavior from a global perspective. It explores the different ways that crime is defined and experienced in different societies and cultures.
Focuses on the practical aspects of crime prevention, reviewing different approaches, programs, and methods for evaluating their effectiveness. It useful resource for those interested in applied criminology and policy-making related to crime reduction.
This introductory textbook offers a clear and concise overview of the core concepts and theories in criminology. It includes discussions of the research methods used in the field and provides real-world examples of criminal behavior.
Provides a detailed examination of various theories explaining delinquent behavior. It is particularly useful for those focusing on juvenile delinquency and seeking a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings in this area.
Explores qualitative research methods in criminology, offering various perspectives and approaches. It is valuable for those interested in conducting or understanding qualitative studies on crime and criminal justice topics.
This true-crime masterpiece tells the story of the brutal murder of a Kansas family. It chilling and unforgettable account of violence and its aftermath.
This classic work of literature explores the psychological and philosophical implications of crime and punishment. It must-read for anyone interested in the human condition.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/tyctcf/criminolog
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