This course examines the extent of crime, and studies a variety of theories and explanations regarding the causes of crime and criminality. Criminology is an interdisciplinary science that explores the process of the making of laws, the breaking of laws, and the reaction to the breaking of laws.  

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• develop an understanding of what criminology is, and what criminologists study.
• cultivate an understanding of how crime is measured, and how crime trends and the characteristics of criminals are developed and studied.
• understand the diversity of existing theories and explanations of criminal behavior.
• develop your own theory of criminal behavior.
• comprehend the different varieties of crime such as predatory crime, violent crime, street crime, crimes against property, organized crime, corporate crime, white collar crime, etcetera.
• demonstrate the impact of crime on victims, private business, and government institutions.
• appreciate the role of the criminal justice agencies and the citizenry in combating the crime threat.
• recognize specific information on the nature and effect of criminal behavior in our society.
• cultivate specific information on criminal acts as social phenomena, and to relate criminal acts and types of crimes to various conditions and processes. 

The required textbook for this course is:

• Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies, Ninth Edition. Larry J. Siegel. 2007. Thomson/Wadsworth Publishers.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

Your course grade will be determined by the successful completion of the weekly assignments and discussion forums, quizzes and exams, according to the following points:

There are (2) proctored exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : llinville@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 323-3218

You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or my campus office in Annandale. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.