Theories on Serial Killers - Unit 2 Criminology

This is for Unit 2 of Criminology. You can have the students work independently, in pairs or in groups. Hand out the case cards and the students can work on researching the case and formulating their own theories as to why the individual committed their crimes.

Then they could add their theories to a blank template of the table (not included) which I have typed up for each serial killer, linking to various biological, psychological and sociological theories to possibly explain their behaviour.

Extension tasks could include having the students write up an exam answer on the theories explaining criminal behaviour or a class debate on which theory is best to explain a particular serial killer’s behaviour.

This could be done as an intro to Unit 2 or as a way to end the Unit prior to exam revision. The case cards could be used like Application scenarios, as in the exam.