The concept and measurement of delinquency and status offending; trends and patterns in the delinquency rate. Theoretical models used to explain the onset of delinquent behavior; environmental and individual correlates of delinquency such as gender, race, and social class; influence of families, delinquent subcultures, gangs, schools, and drugs; history of juvenile justice and the philosophy and practice of today's juvenile justice system; legal and ethical issues such as major court decisions on juveniles' rights, the use of detention, and transfer to adult court; models of sentencing, juvenile incarceration, and community treatment programs and their efficacy.
Department of Sociology