Criminology
Criminology is the study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Here are some key subtopics:
Classical and Neo-Classical Theories Biological Theories (e.g., Lombroso's theory) Psychological Theories (e.g., Eysenck’s theory, psychopathy) Sociological Theories (e.g., Strain Theory, Social Learning Theory, Labeling Theory) Integrated Theories (e.g., Life Course Theory) Violent Crimes (e.g., homicide, assault) Property Crimes (e.g., burglary, theft) White-Collar Crimes (e.g., fraud, embezzlement) Crime Statistics and Trends: Sources of Crime Data (e.g., Uniform Crime Reports, National Crime Victimization Survey) Crime Trends and Patterns Role and Function of Law Enforcement Role of Courts and Judiciary Correctional Institutions and Rehabilitation Police
The police are a crucial component of the criminal justice system. Key subtopics include:
History and Evolution of Policing: Development of Modern Policing Roles and Responsibilities: Crime Prevention and Investigation Reactive vs. Proactive Policing Problem-Oriented Policing Intelligence-Led Policing Police Corruption and Misconduct Use of Force and Accountability Police-Community Relations Technological Advancements in Policing Prisons
Prisons are institutions designed to house individuals convicted of crimes. Key subtopics include:
History and Purpose of Prisons: Objectives of Imprisonment (Punishment, Deterrence, Rehabilitation) Juvenile Detention Centers Prison Management and Operations: Inmate Classification and Management Prison Labor and Programs Prison Violence and Gangs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Recidivism and Reintegration Court Systems
The court system is responsible for interpreting and applying the law. Key subtopics include:
Structure of the Court System: Hierarchical Structure (Lower Courts, Appellate Courts, Supreme Court) Specialized Courts (e.g., Family Court, Drug Court) Roles within the Court System: Court Processes and Procedures: Pre-Trial Procedures (Arraignment, Bail) Trial Process (Jury Selection, Evidence Presentation) Issues in the Court System: Legal Representation and Public Defenders Judicial Independence and Accountability Child Protection
Child protection involves safeguarding children from abuse and neglect. Key subtopics include:
Types of Child Abuse and Neglect: Child Protection Laws and Policies: Child Protective Services (CPS) Family Preservation and Reunification Investigative and Intervention Procedures: Emergency Removal and Placement Impact of Abuse and Neglect: Psychological and Emotional Impact Treatment and Support Services Major Laws Dealing with Crimes
Understanding key laws that address various crimes is essential. Key subtopics include:
Criminal Law Fundamentals: Elements of a Crime (Actus Reus, Mens Rea) Types of Offenses (Felonies, Misdemeanors) Criminal Procedure Laws (e.g., Fourth Amendment rights, Miranda Rights) Drug Laws (Controlled Substances Act) Anti-Money Laundering Laws Important Supreme Court Decisions (e.g., Miranda v. Arizona, Mapp v. Ohio) International Criminal Law: International Treaties and Conventions (e.g., Geneva Conventions) War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Sociology
General Awareness on Social Issues
Understanding current and historical social issues is crucial. Key subtopics include:
Impact on Health and Education Discrimination and Racism: Types of Discrimination (e.g., Racial, Gender, Age) Role of Education in Society Pollution and Waste Management Society
Society encompasses the organized patterns of relationships and institutions. Key subtopics include:
Elements of Social Structure (Status, Roles, Institutions) Social Institutions (Family, Education, Religion, Economy, Government) Components of Culture (Norms, Values, Beliefs, Symbols) Cultural Diversity and Multiculturalism Subcultures and Countercultures Agents of Socialization (Family, Peers, Media, Education) Theories of Socialization (Mead’s Theory of the Self, Cooley’s Looking Glass Self) Factors Driving Social Change (Technology, Social Movements, Policy) Theories of Social Change (Evolutionary, Conflict, Cyclical) Gender
Gender studies examine the social and cultural constructions of gender. Key subtopics include:
Gender Roles and Stereotypes: Representation in Politics and Business Feminism and Gender Theories: Social Movements
Social movements are collective actions aimed at social change. Key subtopics include:
Types of Social Movements: New Social Movements (e.g., Environmental, Digital) Stages of Social Movements: Theories of Social Movements: Resource Mobilization Theory New Social Movement Theory Impact of Social Movements: Social and Cultural Changes Case Studies (e.g., Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage Movement) Family
The family is a primary social institution. Key subtopics include:
Factors Influencing Divorce Role of Fathers and Mothers Changing Family Dynamics: Government
The government plays a central role in society. Key subtopics include:
Types of Public Policies (Social, Economic, Foreign) Citizenship and Civil Rights: Rights and Responsibilities Civil Liberties and Freedoms Deviance
Deviance refers to behaviors that violate social norms. Key subtopics include:
Structural Strain Theory (Merton) Differential Association Theory (Sutherland) Formal and Informal Social Control Community-Based Approaches Consequences of Deviance: Rehabilitation and Punishment Religion
Religion is a major social institution. Key subtopics include:
Sociological Theories of Religion: Symbolic Interactionism (Weber) Forms of Religious Organization: Religion and Social Change: Impact on Moral and Ethical Issues Social Psychology
Social Perception
Social perception involves how we form impressions and make inferences about other people. Key subtopics include:
Internal vs. External Attributions Fundamental Attribution Error Self-Presentation Tactics Social Cognition
Social cognition focuses on how people process, store, and apply information about others and social situations. Key subtopics include:
Types of Schemas (Person, Role, Event) Effects of Schemas on Perception and Memory Representativeness Heuristic Anchoring and Adjustment Heuristic 
