Introduction to Criminology: Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior (Nelson-Hall Series in Sociology)

"After reviewing dozens of books, this text provided the best basic foundation and the study website is excellent."-Michelle Ronda, Marymount Manhattan College The Sixth Edition of Introduction to Criminology: Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior is a comprehensive introduction to the study of criminology, with a chapter devoted to the criminal justice system. Valued and admired for the author’s easy-to-read writing style and the text’s overall accessibility, this book concentrates on the vital core of criminological theory-theory, method, and criminal behavior-and successfully avoids an overly legal or crime control orientation. Updated throughout and with a visually engaging new two-color design, the Sixth Edition investigates all major forms of criminal activity, including organized crime, white collar crime, political crime, and environmental crime. Author Frank E. Hagan explains the methods of operation, the effects on society, and how various theories account for criminal behavior. New to the Sixth Edition Offers expanded treatment of theory: An additional theory chapter (Chapter 5) explores psychological and biological theories, and the author has provided additional coverage of Developmental/Life Course theory in Chapter 6. Presents expanded detail on many types of crime: The book features comprehensive treatment of all crime typologies. Provides broader coverage of crime in its various forms: With major coverage of white collar, political, and organized crime, the text fully addresses topics such as Warez software piracy, spies, assassins, new organized crime groups, and major corporate scandals. Incorporates updated and new “Crime Files” and “In the News” boxes: New captivating examples include the Virginia Tech shootings; the BTK killer; Washington, DC snipers; Red Lake Massacre; and the Hanssen Spy case. Includes a new final chapter on the criminal justice system (Chapter 14): This chapter provides a brief overview to acquaint students who have not had a separate course on the justice system. Features an updated photo program: Contemporary visual representations bring to life the theories and crime typologies covered in the text. Accompanied by High Quality Ancillaries Student Study Site at www.sagepub.com/haganstudy: The study site includes self-quizzes, links to interesting and useful audio and video files (NPR and PBS radio archives, Frontline videos), carefully selected journal articles, Web research exercises, E-flashcards, and more. Instructors' Resources on CD-ROM: include a computerized test bank, PowerPoint slides for each chapter, classroom activities, and more. Qualified instructors can request a copy by contacting SAGE Customer Care at 1.800.818.7243 (6am–5pm PT).Intended AudienceThis is an excellent text for undergraduate courses such as Criminology, Deviant Behavior, and Crime and Society in departments of criminal justice, criminology, and sociology.