20809295Victimology
Course Information
Description
An introduction to the sociological study of victimization. Studies victimization trends and patterns and examines the impact of victimization on individuals and society. Explores explanations of victimization, as well as policy implications and responses to victimization. Discusses evolution of victims’ rights movement and strategies to empower victims. Challenges assumptions about victimization and looks at how social inequalities shape the perceptions, treatment, and experiences of victims.
Total Credits
3

Course Competencies
  1. Evaluate the major sources of victimization data
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Test, Written Product, Reflection, Project and/or Presentation
    Criteria
    Differentiate between major sources of victimization data
    Identify the characteristics of major sources of victimization data
    Trace changes in how victimization data has been collected over time
    Consider the utility of different sources of victimization data
    Explain how data collection methods impact victimization statistics
    Identify the strengths and limitations of major sources of victimization data

  2. Explore different types of victimization
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Test, Written Product, Reflection, Project and/or Presentation
    Criteria
    Differentiate between various types of victimization
    Identify important trends and characteristics of different types of victimization
    Evaluate explanations for different types of victimization
    Explore the consequences of different forms of victimization
    Compare perceptions of different types of victims and victimization
    Evaluate individual and societal responses to different types of victimization

  3. Analyze patterns of victimization
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Test, Written Product, Reflection, Project and/or Presentation
    Criteria
    Identify patterns of victimization
    Describe the characteristics of different patterns of victimization
    Provide examples of different patterns of victimization
    Explain what correlates of victimization are, and what they are not
    Trace changes in victimization trends over time
    Evaluate explanations for victimization patterns
    Identify factors that impact our knowledge of patterns of victimization

  4. Evaluate theories of victimization
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Test, Written Product, Reflection, Project and/or Presentation
    Criteria
    Identify key theoretical approaches used to study victims and victimization
    Use victimization theories to explain victimization trends
    Compare the strengths and limitations of different victimization theories
    Evaluate the utility of victimization theories for analyzing various forms of victimization
    Identify the policy implications suggested by different victimization theories
    Appraise the policy implications suggested by different victimization theories

  5. Explore the impact victimization has on individuals, communities, and society
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Test, Written Product, Reflection, Project and/or Presentation
    Criteria
    Examine personal, psychological, social, and economic consequences of different types of victimization
    Provide examples of individual, community, and societal consequences of different types of victimization
    Consider ways to remedy, lessen, or eliminate the various consequences of victimization
    Analyze reasons behind victim decision-making, including whether or not to report victimization
    Identify consequences of victim reporting decisions
    Challenge assumptions about victims and victimizations, including tendencies towards victim-blaming

  6. Evaluate the various policies and services that have been developed to assist victims
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Test, Written Product, Reflection, Project and/or Presentation
    Criteria
    Identify local, state, and federal policies and services that have been developed to assist victims
    Explain how such policies and services assist victims
    Provide examples of strengths and limitations of such policies and services
    Evaluate the success of policies and services that have been developed to assist victims
    Identify victim needs that are not being met by existing services
    Ascertain areas for improvement with regards to existing services

  7. Analyze the historical evolution of victimology and the victims’ rights movement
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Test, Written Product, Reflection, Project and/or Presentation
    Criteria
    Identify historical and contemporary assumptions about victims and victimization
    Trace the development of victimology and the victims’ rights movement over time
    Appraise historical roots of victimology and the victims’ rights movement
    Differentiate between the various schools of thought within the field of victimology
    Explore the relationship between victimology and the victims’ rights movement
    Evaluate the strengths, limitations, and successes of the victims’ rights movement

  8. Investigate the complex interconnections between victims, offenders, the criminal justice system, and society
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Test, Written Product, Reflection, Project and/or Presentation
    Criteria
    Examine the victim-offender overlap
    Explore the role and treatment of victims within the criminal justice system
    Compare how various types of victims and victimization are viewed and treated in society
    Explain how the treatment of victims impacts victims and victim reporting

  9. Analyze how social inequities impact victimization, victims, and victim experiences
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Test, Written Product, Reflection, Project and/or Presentation
    Criteria
    Describe how power, privilege, and social inequities influence definitions of victims and victimization
    Describe how power, privilege, and social inequities influence perceptions of victims and victimization
    Describe how power, privilege, and social inequities influence victimization patterns
    Describe how power, privilege, and social inequities influence victim reporting
    Describe how power, privilege, and social inequities influence the differential treatment of victims
    Describe how power, privilege, and social inequities influence access to victim services and resources
    Describe how power, privilege, and social inequities influence responses to victimization