CJ 225 - Serial, Spree & Mass Killers

Credits: 5
Study of serial killers, mass murderers, and their victims. Examines the history and frequency of these crimes, profiles the killers and their victims, explores theories of causation, and discusses investigation, prosecution, punishment, and prevention.

Recommended: CJ& 101 - Introduction to Criminal Justice

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science
Course Fee: $25.00

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Describe and contrast serial, mass, and spree killers.
Discuss the motivations involved in multiple murders.
List common characteristics of the offenders.
Explain theories of causation by examining the history of serial, mass, and spree killers.
Describe and explain the victimology of serial, mass, and spree killers and how it effects investigations.
Discuss the criminal investigative analysis techniques used to solve these types of crimes.
Examine the problems associated with investigating, apprehending, prosecuting, and punishing serial and mass murderers.
Discuss public interest in real and fictional perpetrators.
Determine the impact these crimes have on society as tertiary and secondary victims.

Program Outcomes

Give reasons for conclusions, assumptions, beliefs, and hypothesis.
Meet obligations necessary to complete individual and group tasks.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning - Quantitative Reasoning encompasses abilities necessary for a student to become literate in today’s technological world. Quantitative reasoning begins with basic skills and extends to problem solving.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.
Diversity and Equity - In order to advance equity and social justice, students will be able to examine their own and others’ identities, behaviors, and/or cultural perspectives as they connect to power, privilege, and/or resistance.