This course explores major issues in contemporary criminological theories in order to answer several vexing questions such as “What is crime?”, “Why do people break the law?”, “Why do some people obey the law?”, and “How can we respond to violent and non-violent offending?” Criminologists in the 21st century are provided with a rich legacy of research and theoretical development drawing from various academic disciplines, including sociology, psychology, law and political science. The course aims to help students develop a firm foundation for future work in criminology and understand the role that theories play in predicting and explaining various types of delinquent and criminal behaviour. To develop a deeper understanding of the discipline of criminology, we will examine selected concepts and issues that have emerged (or remain) as important ideas or debates in criminology.