Description:

This class is concerned with the definition, magnitude, cause, treatment, and prevention of juvenile delinquency, an escalating social problem of youth. Emphasis will be towards a psychological orientation to delinquency, although other perspectives (sociological and biological) will be considered. Class discussion is strongly encouraged. Films and case examples drawn from delinquent careers will be used to promote understanding of the topic.

Texts:

Regoli, R.M. & Hewitt, J.D. Delinquency in society. (3rd ed.) 1997

Grading and Requirements:

Exams: 2, objective, 66% of grade

Papers:

Writing Activity 1 - 2 pp., paper topic and outline, 0%.

Writing Activity 2 - 12 pp., first draft, 14%.

Writing Activity 3 - 12 pp., final Term Paper, 20%.

Writing Activities 1-3 combine to make the final Term Paper, reviewing selected literature on virtually any topic of student's choice which deals with juvenile delinquency. Each writing activity is critiqued and returned.

Prerequisites:

Psychology 301 with a grade of C or better, Psychology 418 or an equivalent statistics course with a grade of C or better, upper division standing, and six semester hours of upper division psychology.

Updated 24 February 1998
Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts
University of Texas at Austin

Some graphics courtesy of Ann Pommerehn