Explain the historical and contemporary concepts of juvenile delinquency.

Compare and contrast major theories of delinquency and apply them to case examples.

Analyze how social institutions—including family, peers, schools, and communities—affect delinquent behavior.

Evaluate the impact of gender, culture, and environment on juvenile crime.

Describe the organization, functions, and challenges of the juvenile justice system.

Assess correctional and rehabilitative approaches for juvenile offenders.

Childhood and Delinquency – Concepts and Definitions

The Nature and Extent of Delinquency – Measuring Youth Crime

Individual-Level Views of Delinquency

Structure, Process, Culture, and Delinquency

Social Reaction, Social Conflict, and Delinquency

Developmental Theories – Life-Course, Propensity, and Trajectory

Gender and Delinquency

The Family and Delinquency

Peers and Delinquency – Gangs, Groups, and Cliques

Schools and Delinquency

Drug Use and Delinquency

Juvenile Justice – Then and Now

Police Work with Juveniles

Juvenile Court Process – Pretrial, Trial, and Disposition

Juvenile Corrections – Probation, Community Treatment, and Institutionalization