The most accessible and comprehensive book for criminological theory courses available today

Criminological Theory: A Text/Reader provides the best of both worlds—substantial but brief authored sections on all of the major course topics, followed by carefully edited, policy-oriented, original research articles covering criminological theory from past to present and beyond. The 39 articles reflect both classic studies and state-of-the-art research. Pedagogical tools include the helpful "How to Read a Research Article" before the first reading, article introductions, photographs, and discussion questions that capture student interest and help them develop their critical thinking skills.

Key Features

• Presents a succinct overview of criminological theory in the book’s Introduction, which also briefly describes the organization and content of the book
• Includes a “How to Read a Research Article” guide tied to the first reading in the book, a perfect introduction to understanding how real-world research is organized and delivered in the journal literature
• Offers a "mini-chapter” introduction for each Section with figures, tables, and photos that present and illustrate basic concepts while providing a background for the readings that follow
• Includes three to six well-edited readings in each Section that highlight the policy implications of the research, vividly responding to the “So what?” question of how criminological theories apply in the real world
• Provides key terms, Web resources, and thought-provoking discussion questions for each reading and each Section to help students master the content and sharpen their critical thinking skills