This course will better enable the student to effectively understand and evaluate the characteristics and distribution of murder, including historical and cross-cultural comparisons.  They will be able to recognize the social psychological, structural, cultural, and situational explanations of causes and consequences of juvenile, gang, domestic, mass, serial, and sexual murder.  Students will be expected to familiarize themselves with the topics and be prepared to engage in in-depth discussions on the readings and material in class at a level consistent with that of a senior level criminal justice student.  Extensive out of class research and writing is expected of each student during the course.