Crime Theories and Models is a project consisting of 4 complementary lessons designed to take a student down a path beginning with a basic introduction on how crime and criminality are defined.  The lessons then continue with an overview of a variety of reasons why someone might commit a crime, and finally the journey is completed as students evaluate how police and politicians  use this information to create strategies to prevent crime.  During these four lessons, students will be introduced to traditional crime theories and they will also evaluate contemporary issues in policing as they begin to think critically about the roles of the three components of the CJ system--police, courts and corrections--in our society.

Each of the four lessons include optional videos and assignments that can be used to augment classroom discussions, increase learning or assigned as additional out-of-class work.  Each lesson includes lectures, group activities, and vocabulary quizzes to that reinforce previous learning as they also introduce new concepts.  Included with the last lesson, lesson 4, there is a summative assessment covering material from all four lessons.  There is also an optional writing assignment that can be used for programs requiring additional rigor due college articulation agreements or similar.

The Lessons in this Project are:

Lesson 1:  ( 90 Minutes ) Choice Theories and Biological Theories--                                        Mainly focuses on understanding the role theories play in the CJ system, Classical Theories, Choice Theories and Biological Theories.

Lesson 2:  ( 120 Minutes ) Social Theories-_
Mainly focuses on recognizing biases and Social Theories pertaining to causes of crime.

Lesson 3:  ( 110 Minutes )  Modern Theories and Blended Theories--
Mainly focuses on blended theories of crime, and some more modern theories such as Routine Activities Theory and Broken Windows Theory

Lesson 4:  ( 120 Minutes  ) CJ System Models-- 
Mainly focuses on criminal justice system models and how those models are related to political policies and CJ system procedures.

Materials:  Other than the ability to access the internet and display videos and presentations, there are no other materials needed.  All handouts, assessments and rubrics for these lessons are included with the lessons.

Prerequisites:  Completion of a college preparatory level English class at 9th grade level, or equivalent English proficiency, is recommended.