Understanding the Origins of Crime

Course Overview

This course, Understanding the Origins of Crime, provides an overview of the process of natural selection and how it can be used to make sense of criminal behaviour. Students will learn about the definition of “biological functionality” and some of the common misconceptions about it, as well as the basic lessons we can learn about our species and crime from an understanding of Darwinian theory. The course will also cover topics such as kin murder, infanticide and child neglect, jealousy and spousal homicides, the characteristics of a “typical” homicide, why status is so important and how it relates to aggression, war and warriorship, and how pathogens relate to war in the modern world.

This course requires approximately 2 - 4 hours of study per week, and includes watching videos, and taking quizzes and assessments. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement. This certificate is not a formal qualification or credit, but can be used to demonstrate interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.

Potential career paths for those interested in this area include policing and profiling, corrections officer, regulatory law enforcement, customs official, criminal justice, prevention and corrections, justice administration and policy, community development & health, military services, legal secretary, legal support officer, and assistant paralegal.

[Applications]

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply the knowledge they have gained to better understand the origins of crime and the potential careers related to this field. They will also be able to use the theory of evolution to make sense of a broad range of crimes and gain a better understanding of the biological functionality of crime.

[Career Paths]

Policing and Profiling: This career path involves using the knowledge gained from this course to help law enforcement agencies identify and apprehend criminals. This could involve profiling suspects, analyzing crime scenes, and providing expert testimony in court. As technology advances, this field is becoming increasingly important and in-demand.

Corrections Officer: This career path involves working in prisons and other correctional facilities to ensure the safety of inmates and staff. This could involve monitoring inmates, enforcing rules and regulations, and providing guidance and support to inmates. As the prison population continues to grow, this field is becoming increasingly important and in-demand.

Regulatory Law Enforcement: This career path involves enforcing laws and regulations related to public safety, health, and the environment. This could involve conducting investigations, issuing citations, and testifying in court. As the need for regulation increases, this field is becoming increasingly important and in-demand.

Customs Official: This career path involves working with customs and border protection agencies to ensure the safety of citizens and the security of borders. This could involve inspecting cargo, interviewing travelers, and enforcing customs laws. As the need for border security increases, this field is becoming increasingly important and in-demand.

Criminal Justice, Prevention and Corrections: This career path involves working with law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities to ensure the safety of citizens and the security of the justice system. This could involve conducting investigations, providing legal advice, and providing support to victims of crime. As the need for criminal justice professionals increases, this field is becoming increasingly important and in-demand.

[Education Paths]

Education Paths:

1. Bachelor of Science in Criminology: This degree program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of crime, as well as the legal and social implications of criminal behavior. Students will learn about the history of crime, the criminal justice system, and the various theories of crime causation. This degree program is becoming increasingly popular as the demand for criminologists grows.

2. Master of Science in Criminal Justice: This degree program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system, including the legal, social, and psychological aspects of crime. Students will learn about the history of crime, the criminal justice system, and the various theories of crime causation. This degree program is becoming increasingly popular as the demand for criminologists grows.

3. Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology: This degree program provides students with an advanced understanding of the causes and consequences of crime, as well as the legal and social implications of criminal behavior. Students will learn about the history of crime, the criminal justice system, and the various theories of crime causation. This degree program is becoming increasingly popular as the demand for criminologists grows.

4. Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology: This degree program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the psychological aspects of crime, including the motivations and behaviors of criminals. Students will learn about the history of crime, the criminal justice system, and the various theories of crime causation. This degree program is becoming increasingly popular as the demand for forensic psychologists grows.