This course will examine criminals who obtain money through illegal activities; including intimidation, corruption, extortion and violence. The different types of organized crime, its history and progression both in America and abroad as well as a look inside Philadelphia organized crime and some of its more well-known members will be discussed. Also explored are the structure and activities of organized criminal enterprises, the different models that have been employed to describe organized crime groups, and the theories that attempt to explain the phenomenon. The history and strategies police use to combat organized crime will also be discussed.

In this course, we will study the phenomenon of serial crime and, in particular, the serial killer. We will define serial and related homicides, review the history of serial killing, and discuss theories as to why individuals become serial killers. We will identify the traits and categories of serial killers and the methods by which they carry out their crimes. Finally, we will look at case studies of notorious serial killers and identify and discuss what factors may have been responsible for their becoming serial killers.

Medical Sociology brings sociological perspectives, theories, and methods to the study of health and medical practice. Major areas of investigation include the social facets of health and disease, the social behavior of health care personnel and people who utilize health care, the social functions of health organizations and institutions, the social patterns of health services, and the relationship of health care delivery systems to other systems. This course also provides an overview of social work practice in a variety of medical settings including inpatient, outpatient, clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home care. Students will gain information on the history of medical social work, the diverse settings in which medical social work is conducted, the responsibilities of medical social workers, the issues currently facing medical social workers, and the factors that impact social work practice in a multidisciplinary health care teams.

The scientific study of victimization, including the relationships between the victims and the offenders, the interactions between victims and the criminal justice system-that is the police, the courts, and corrections officials-and the connection between victims and other societal groups and institutions, such as the media, business, and social movements. Topics include child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, cybercrime, hate crime and current topics including human trafficking, home invasion, gang violence, terrorism and wrongful convictions.

This course explores the relationships between social structures, inequalities, and cultural values within society. Students will examine how social stratification, based on factors such as class, race, and gender shapes individuals’ opportunities and experiences. The course will also focus on the role of social values, norms, and beliefs in influencing behavior, guiding societal expectations, and maintaining or challenging social hierarchies. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the ways in which social inequalities and shared values interact to shape contemporary societies.

This course will introduce the theories of homeland security and the crucial fundamentals of the department by exploring its mission and goals. Students will develop an understanding of terrorism by learning how these organizations work, and what threats they pose to today’s society. In addition, students will learn that the man-made threats are not the only dangers challenging homeland security and that “natural threats” also pose a challenge for the department. Students will become familiar with federal, state, and local laws, as well as international law, as it relates to the mission and goals of homeland security. Special attention will be dedicated to the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and the Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 and how these Acts affect policy making within the department. Included will be an introduction to the different communities associated with the Department of Homeland Security, the intelligence, the security, and the milit

This course applies sociological thinking and perspectives to pop culture, the media, and the global society. An in-depth look will be given to class and cultural consumption, the power of advertising and the mass media, and the influence of technology and the internet. Specific topics include the production of culture, social media in the digital age, and the social impact of media on society.

This course addresses the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in criminal investigations. Students will receive fundamental instruction in key areas, including the historical development of criminal investigations, characteristics and functions of investigators, initial response protocols, note-taking, crime scene sketching, and the use of photographic equipment. Some topics include crime scene investigations, report writing, 4th Amendment searches, records searches, suspect identification, interviews and interrogations, surveillance, and violent crime investigations. Through lectures and assignments, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the real-world application of criminal investigation techniques, preparing them for effective roles in law enforcement.

Examination of the social factors contributing to the onset of mental disorders. Social institutions that provide resources to the mentally ill, their social organization and delivery will be explained, as well as consequences of mental disorders for individuals and for society.

This course provides an examination of street, prison, and outlaw motorcycle gangs, focusing on their history and culture. Students will learn to identify gang members and understand the sociological factors that lead individuals to join such groups. The course covers gang definitions, the origins of prominent Chicago and Los Angeles gangs, and the gang subculture, including socialization, control, activities like graffiti and tattoos, criminal involvement, and prosecution differences. The course also explores the dynamics of prison gangs and their influence beyond prison walls, as well as the violent realities of outlaw motorcycle gangs. Community intervention efforts to reduce gang membership will be discussed, highlighting successful programs and emphasizing that gang culture is not solely a criminal justice issue.