Course Syllabus

Independent Study in Idaho

ISI Website | indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641

CRIM 3010 Criminological Theory

Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho

3 Credits

Instructor Information

Course Instructor: Omi Hodwitz, Ph.D.

  • Email: omi@uidaho.edu
  • Office Hours: By appointment only
  • Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on all communications.

Omi Hodwitz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Culture, Society & Justice at the University of Idaho. She received her Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland in 2015. Dr. Hodwitz’s research interests include terrorism studies, theory construction and application, prison education, and research methods.

Course Description

Review and assessment of common explanations of crime, deviant behavior and control. Prerequisite: CRIM 101

This course will provide an introduction to the theories of criminal and deviant behavior. Criminological theories have a fascinating and often-times disturbing history that can be traced back the Middle Ages and the Age of Enlightenment. Over the centuries, they have evolved and become a key guiding force in contemporary criminal justice system policy and practice. This course will cover the historical development of criminological theories, their basic premises and key concepts, and their application in today’s world.

Enjoy the class!

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Learning and integration: students will gain an understanding of the history and development of criminological thought and how it has shaped policy and practice over time. Students should be able to apply and critique theoretical explanations for criminal and deviant behavior.
  • Thinking and creating: students will comprehend the logic of theoretical undertakings and will be able to apply that logic to typical and non-typical behaviors, redefining their understanding of human motivation and action.
  • Communication: students will articulate and convey the meaning of theory in historical and contemporary contexts across a spectrum of behaviors.
  • Perspective: students will explore their own perspectives about crime and deviance in order to better understand the root causes of atypical behavior.
  • Practicing citizenship: students will apply principles of empathic and informed objectivity in order to understand and respect the many factors that contribute to offending behavior.

Required Materials

Vito, Gennaro F., and Jeffrey R. Maahs. Criminology: Theory, Research, and Policy, 5th edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2020. ISBN 9781284181784

Paternoster, Raymond, and Ronet Bachman. (2001). Explaining Criminals and Crime. Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 9780195329933

Course Rules and Requirements

Assignment Guidelines

  • Students may submit 2 assignments per week; however, assignments and exams must be submitted consecutively, in the order outlined in the course. Wait to receive a grade on the previous exam before submitting subsequent assignments.
  • 12 graded assignments, 2 self-study practice exams, 2 proctored exams
  • Submit assignments and receive grades via Canvas.
  • Keep a copy of every assignment submitted. Write your name, V number, course subject and number, and assignment number on every submission.
  • An instructor may take up to three weeks to grade so plan accordingly to meet personal deadlines.
  • The final course grade is issued after all assignments and exams have been graded.
  • Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism, may result in a grade of “F” for the course.
  • ALL assignments and exams must be submitted to receive a final grade for the course.

Essay Guidelines

  • Essays are evaluated on a number of factors. The best essays will directly address the topic being discussed, will incorporate the relevant material and, when appropriate, will demonstrate critical thought.
  • Font and spacing: Please use Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1-inch margins and double spacing.
  • Each essay must include page numberings and a heading in the upper right hand corner that includes:
    • First and Last Name
    • Date of submission
    • CRIM 3010
    • Lesson #
  • There is no set length for the essays, but your essay should be long enough to fully address the essay prompt/question. This will most likely result in lesson submissions that are 2-3 pages in length.
  • Please ensure your essay is written using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation. If your essay is difficult to read, it will be difficult to grade.

Exam Guidelines

  • All exams require a proctor.
  • At least two weeks before scheduling your first exam, submit the completed Proctor/Exam Request Form to the ISI office. ISI sends all exams directly to the proctor after receiving the Proctor/Exam Request Form.
  • You must schedule the examination time with your proctor before each exam.
  • For exams, students should bring their photo ID and V number.
  • The proctor administers the exam and returns it to the ISI office. Graded exams are not returned to the student.

Email Standards

  • Subject line: include your name, V number, course subject/number and assignment number(s) Ex. Joe Vandal, V01234567, CRIM 3010, Assignments 1,2
  • Email body: place questions or comments for the instructor
  • Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu

Grade Information

This course grade will be based upon the following considerations:

Twelve Lessons (10 pts each) 50% of final grade = 120 pts

Two exams (60 pts each) 50% of final grade = 120 pts

240 total points possible

Grading Scale
Points Percent Grade
216-240 90-100% A
192-215 80-89% B
168-191 70-79% C
144-167 60-69% D
0-143 Below 60% F

Course Policies

Refer to the ISI Policies for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services. 

AI Use Prohibited

As artificial intelligence tools become more widely available, it is important to clarify how they may or may not be used in this course. The following policy is designed to support your learning and ensure academic integrity.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools—including but not limited to ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, Grammarly, image generators, and automated coding/writing assistants—is not permitted in this course.  

Unauthorized use of AI tools is considered a form of unauthorized assistance and undermines the core learning objectives of the class. This course is intentionally designed to build foundational skills—such as critical analysis, discipline-specific reasoning, original writing, and independent problem-solving—that require your direct engagement. Using AI tools to generate or revise work may hinder the achievement of these objectives and may compromise the integrity of your academic development.

Any use of AI tools for coursework, unless explicitly allowed by the instructor for a specific assignment, will be treated as a violation of academic integrity and may result in sanctions as outlined in the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct. Students are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all university policies regarding academic honesty and should consult the Student Code of Conduct for further guidance.