Students examine biogenetic, psychiatric, and psychological explanations of criminal and deviant behaviour and the psychological theories of crime and deviance that have marked the development of the discipline of criminology. Biological and situational factors will be considered, as will mental disorders, substance abuse, and the construction of psychological and psychiatric problems (psychopathy/sociopathy). Students scrutinize the psychological processes underlying specific types of criminal and deviant behaviour. Prevention, intervention, assessment, and treatment approaches will be contemplated.

Priority registration in this course is offered to students admitted to the Diploma in Criminal Justice, Diploma in Criminal Justice (BBA Transfer Option), and Diploma in Criminology.

Prerequisite(s): One of the following: a score of 4 in the Langara English Test (LET); an essay score of 30 or higher on the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) test; or a minimum "C" grade in one of ENGL 1123, 1127, 1128, 1129, or 1130; and a minimum "C" grade in one of the following: CRIM 1115, 1116, 1125, ECON 1119, 1220, 1221, HIST 1116, 1126, PHIL 1100, 1101, POLI 1100, 1119, PSYC 1115, 1215, SOCI 1120, or 1121. Students who do not meet the above prerequisites requirements but have post-secondary, university-transferrable credits, or experience may apply to the chair of the Criminal Justice department for permission to take this course.