In recent years, the life-course perspective has become a popular theory for explaining an offender's orientation toward crime. In this sixth installment of an ongoing series on Criminal Psychology, Dr. Christopher Kurtz provides an indepth overview of contemporary research on the life-course approach to crime. The class will stress a conceptual understanding of this approach and present qualitative and quantitative research on criminal life histories. Students will also examine major concepts and issues in life-course theory as it relates to criminology, including biological and genetic influences on crime, and the role of the family in crime and juvenile delinquency. Dr. Kurtz will examine how macro sociological and historical developments have influenced the shape of the life course in American society as it relates to patterns in crime. Curriculum: 5 week course. No prerequisites. All students may enroll in this class. No textbook required.