Routledge Introductory Criminology: The Study of Risky Situations

Introductory Criminology: The Study of Risky Situations takes a unique and intuitive approach to teaching and learning criminology. Avoiding the fragmentation of ideas commonly found in criminology textbooks, Marcus Felson and Mary A. Eckert develop a more practical, readable structure that engages the reader and enhances their understanding of the material. Their descriptive categories, simultaneously broad and realistic, serve better than the usual philosophical categories, such as "positivism" and "classicalism," to stimulate students’ interest and critical thinking. Short chapters, each broken into 5–7 sections, describe situations in which crime is most likely to happen, and explain why they are risky and what society can and can’t do about crime. They create a framework to organize ideas and facts, and then link these categories to the leading theories developed by criminologists over the last 100 years. With this narrative to guide them, students remember the material beyond the final exam. This fresh new text was created by two professors to address the main points they encounter in teaching their own criminology courses. Problems solved include: reluctant readers, aversion to abstract thinking, fear of theory, and boredom with laundry lists of disconnected ideas. Felson, a leader in criminology theory with a global reputation for innovative thinking, and Eckert, an experienced criminal justice researcher, are uniquely qualified to reframe criminology in a unified arc. By design, they offer abstractions that are useful and not overbearing; their prose is readable, and their concepts are easy to comprehend and remember. This new textbook challenges instructors to re-engage with theory and present the essence of criminological thought for adult learners, coaching students to grasp the concept before any label is attached and allowing them to emerge with deeper understanding of what each theory means and offers. Lean, with no filler or fluff like stock photos, Introductory Criminology includes the authors’ graphics to crystallize and expand concepts from the text. Review 'For those looking for a fresh way to introduce students to our field, Marcus Felson and Mary Eckert have an appetizing alternative to offer. Writing in an accessible style, they bring many facts about crime together to reveal important realities. I particularly like their analysis of covert and overt crimes, and how they are affected by neighborhood poverty. They make criminology illuminating and thus interesting by exploring the visible and tangible factors that shape the nature of crime and its prevention. Indeed, I think that criminology as a field would be better off if more of us followed their lead by focusing less on ambiguous constructs and more on things we can see, touch, and change.' – Francis T. Cullen, Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus, University of Cincinnati 'From the perspective of the community college, the true intersection of our neighborhoods, Felson and Eckert have added another rich layer to criminology with risky situations. Students will be able to better retain what is taught. A solidly structured textbook that supports your pedagogy.' – Randy S. Zimpfer, Jamestown Community College 'Marcus Felson and Mary Eckert have written a cutting-edge Criminology book that breaks through the often-stuffy presentation of seemingly endless and non-related criminology theories that leave students―and instructors―hoping just to complete the semester. With an innovative framework focusing on Risky Situations, readers will clearly understand and value the connection of criminological theory with real-world and personal experiences while acquiring practical ideas to understand, prevent, and respond to crime.' – Ben Stickle, Middle Tennessee State University About the Author Marcus Felson is the originator of the routine activity approach and author of Crime and Everyday Life. He has also authored Crime and