Understanding Serial Killers

Catalog description

This course examines the phenomenon of serial killers in both theory and practice. The course examines the extent to which criminological theory can explain observed behavior in serial killers. We will examine biological, psychological and sociological correlates of serial offending and will evaluate how race, sex and other demographic attributes impact offending, victimization and society’s response to this type of offending. We will also discuss apprehension and how law enforcement can enhance the chances of apprehension through the application of modern and conventional investigative techniques. Students in this course collaborate on a major, summative project which seeks to explain a particular offender’s crimes and society’s response to it.