Reading Assignment for Section 4.1
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 4.1: The Positivists.
What You Will Learn
In this section, you will explore how Positivism marked a shift from moralistic explanations of crime to scientific, evidence-based approaches. You will examine the contributions of key figures like Lombroso, Ferri, and Garofalo, who emphasized biological, psychological, and sociological factors in understanding criminal behavior. Finally, you will assess the lasting impact of Positivism on criminological research and criminal justice policies, as well as the criticisms it faces regarding determinism and ethical concerns.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 4.1
- SLO 1: Identify the shift from moralistic views of crime to empirical, scientific approaches introduced by Positivism.
- SLO 2: Describe the contributions of key figures like Lombroso, Ferri, and Garofalo to the Positivist School.
- SLO 3: Explain Positivism’s emphasis on biological, psychological, and sociological factors in crime.
- SLO 4: Recognize the impact of Positivism on modern criminological research and criminal justice policies.
- SLO 5: Evaluate the criticisms of Positivism, particularly concerning determinism and ethical considerations.
Modification History File Created: 02/15/2024 Last Modified: 02/19/2025
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