Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - CRIM 340 D100

Criminal Justice Policy Making and Policy Analysis (3)

Class Number: 7944

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101 and 220.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines alternative approaches to developing and evaluating public policy in criminology through the use of case studies. Students with credit for CRIM 415 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

At the conceptual level, the course will address alternative approaches to the policy analysis process including deciding “how to decide”, and frames of reference for considering outcomes (e.g., equity versus efficiency and security versus liberty). The course will also introduce analytical tools commonly used in evaluation and policy analysis. Students will learn how to properly define policy problems, identify evaluation criteria, devise alternative policy solutions, evaluate and predict the effects of these alternatives, and communicate practical advice to decisionmakers. Case studies in criminal justice policy will be used throughout the semester; examples may include mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offenders, "Three Strikes and You're Out" legislation, alternative sentencing programs such as restorative justice models, and school-based drug use prevention programs.

Grading

  • Class participation 15%
  • In-class quizzes 20%
  • Paper prospectus 10%
  • Group presentation 20%
  • Final bPaper 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

1. Bardach, Eugene. (2015). A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving. (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: CQ Press. ISBN 978-1-94833-5946-5.

2. Custom courseware package available from SFU bookstore.

3. Articles on reserve through the SFU library.

4. Articles posted on the course’s Canvas page

Department Undergraduate Notes:

ATTENTION: STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY: Please contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities, (MBC 1250 or Phone 778-782-3112) if you need or require assistance, not your individual instructors.  
  • N.B.: Students are reminded that attendance in the first week of classes is important. However, there are no tutorials in the first week.
  • ON CAMPUS COURSES ONLY: Assignments not submitted to the Professor/T.A. during class/office hours must be placed in the security box behind the General Office (ASSC 10125), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop-off box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only and the contents are date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will apply (e.g. Library/Campus Security) and the School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted any other way (e.g. slid under office doors). The University does NOT accept assignments by fax. 
  • A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components of Distance Education courses and other), otherwise he/she will receive a grade of N. 
  • E-mail policy for on campus courses only: The School of Criminology STRONGLY DISCOURAGES the use of e-mail in lieu of office hour visits. Criminology advises its instructional staff that they are NOT required to respond to student e-mails and that students wishing to confer with them should do so in person during scheduled meeting times.
  • The University has formal policies regarding intellectual dishonesty and grade appeals which may be obtained from the General Office of the School of Criminology.
  • Under GP18, the University has policies and procedures which respond to our obligations under the BC Human Rights Code to provide a harassment and discrimination free environment for the students, staff and faculty of this institution.  Members of this community have an affirmative obligation to safeguard the human rights of others.
UNIVERSITY POLICY FORBIDS FINAL EXAMINATIONS WHILE CLASSES ARE STILL IN SESSION.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS