For courses in deviance, violence and victimology.

This unique, engaging text uses a multi-disciplinary approach in an effort to understand the "evil minds" of criminals that engage in predatory violence. Evil Minds uses the study of the "monsters" among us--serial killers, mass murderers, child molesters and rapists--to introduce students to the theories, concepts and research from the fields of psychology, sociology, criminology & criminal justice that social scientists employ to understand and respond to violent criminals.

Features

• Uses case studies of violent criminals to introduce students to various psychological, sociological and criminological theories of violence and deviance
  • Uses students natural curiosity about violent criminals to interest them in social science theories and methods
• A section on how society responds to violent criminals
  • Encourages students to think critically about society's response to predatory violence
• A chapter on social science research methods
  • Gives students an understanding of the process that researchers use to study and draw conclusions about violent offenders
• Student-friendly pedagogy: discussion questions, activities, self-check boxes and highlight boxes
  • Helps students better understand the information presented in the text
• A helpful instructors manual that includes chapter objectives, lecture materials, suggested activities and a test bank
  • Aids instructors in administering the course

I. VIOLENT CRIMES: TYPES AND PATTERNS.
This section focuses on the following categories of repeat violent offenders. Included is a discussion of particular traits and patterns of these offenders, victimology, and actual case studies.

1. Monsters and their Victims: The Dance.

The victim and the offender--the relationship between victims and violent criminals (victimology).

Learning Objectives. Introduction. Measuring Crime and Victimization. Victimization Theory. Conclusion.

2. The Sexual Predator.

Sex offender types (rapist, molesters, etc.)

Learning Objectives. Introduction. Serial Rapists. Pedophiles and Child Molesters. Women Child Molesters. Responding to Sexual Predators. Conclusion.

3. Murdering Minds.

Murderer types (serial killers, spree and mass killers, killers for profit, terrorists, etc.)

Learning Objectives. Introduction. Mass Murderers. Spree Killers. Male Serial Killer. Female Serial Killer. Conclusion.

II. SOURCES OF PREDATORY VIOLENCE: PIECES OF THE PUZZLE.
This section reviews theory and research on the sources of violent and sexual offending, examining biological, psychological and sociological contributors.

4. How to Create a Monster According to Psychological Theories of Development.

Psychological theories of personality development related to violence, personality disorders and psychopathy: psychodynamic, social learning/cognitive, trait theory.

Learning Objectives. Introduction. Psychodynamic Theory. Learning and Cognitive Theory. Trait/Dispositional Theory. So Which Theory is Right? Discussion Questions and Activities. Key Words. References.

5. How do Social Scientists Find Answers?

Scientific method
Research designs, strengths and weaknesses

Learning Objectives. Introduction. Basic Elements of Research. Research Methods/Strategies. Discussion Questions and Activities. Key Words. References.

6. Toxic Families and Culture.

Sociological theories
Research on family and early childhood influences
Research on the media, community, and their contributions to violence

Learning Objectives. Introduction. Gender, Race, and Violence. Learning Violence. Familial Influences. Peer Influences. Media Influences. Environmental Conditions and Violence. Conclusions. Discussion Questions and Activities. Key Terms. References.

7. Neurological Contributions to Evil Minds.

Contribution of prenatal factors
Biological factors (brain chemistry, function, and structure)

Learning Objectives. Introduction. The Search for Genetic Roots of Violence. The Brain Behavior Connection. Neurological Correlates of Aggression. Neurochemistry and Hormones. Conclusion: Pulling it all Together. Discussion Questions and Activities. Key Words. References.

8. Twisted Minds: The Contribution of Mental Disorders.

Overview of relevant mental disorders

Learning Objectives. Introduction. The Personality Disorders. Disorders of Childhood. Major Mental Disorders. Paraphilias. Some Final Thoughts. Discussion Questions and Activities. Key Words. References.

III. INVESTIGATING AND PROSECUTING EVIL.
This section provides an overview of the criminal justice system and the effects of treatment and imprisonment.

9. Forensic Investigation: The Hunt.

The role of the forensic expert
Crime scene investigation
Crime mapping
Type of Evidence
Profiling

Learning Objectives. Introduction. The Criminal Investigation. Forensic Specialties. Pathology and the Autopsy. The Physical Sciences. Conclusion. Questions for Discussion and Activities. Key Terms. References.

10. The Pursuit of Justice.

How the justice system operates
Elements of major violent crimes (rape, degrees of murder, etc.)
Determining responsibility: criminal defenses and excuses

Learning Objectives. The Law. Crime: What Constitutes a Crime? Trial. Defenses to Crime. The Insanity Defense. Sentencing and Punishment. Conclusion. Questions. Key Terms. References.

11. To Treat or not to Treat, that is the Question.

Measuring outcomes of treatment and imprisonment
Therapy and treatment models for sex offenders

Learning Objectives. Introduction. Treatment Effectiveness. Current Treatments. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy and Relapse Prevention. Cognitive Restructuring. Building Coping Skills. Behavioral Reconditioning. Relapse Prevention. Hormonal/Medical Treatment. Conclusions. Discussion Questions and Activities. Key Words. References.