CRJU 441 - Homicide

(3 credits)
Prerequisite: CRJU 341 or consent of instructor
This course explores key theoretical paradigms, as well as current research related to homicide. Situating homicide in the U.S. within global patterns and historical trends, this class investigates the following phenomena: types of homicide, which include femicide (murder of women), intimate partner homicide, serial murder, hate murder, rampage killings, gang murder and terrorism. The course also addresses the characteristics of homicide victims and offenders, along with identifying factors that contribute to variance in homicide levels and specific types of homicide. Finally, beginning with legal definitions of homicide, the course surveys how the criminal justice system responds to homicide.