Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2018 - CRIM 300W J100

Current Theories and Perspectives in Criminology (3)

Class Number: 7394

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Sat, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 12, 2018
    Sun, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Instructor:

    Sarah Yercich

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed examination of current theories and perspectives in criminology. The content of the course will change with developments in the area. Students can expect to study biological, psychological and sociological theories and perspectives, as well as those from other relevant disciplines and fields of inquiry (e.g. geography, political science and cultural studies). Students with credit for CRIM 300 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This writing intensive course provides a cumulative exploration and critical assessment of contemporary theory in Criminology. Students can expect to explore current developments, among others, in control theory, psychological and biological explanations, and critical criminological perspectives. Emphasis will be on identifying the criminal justice/social policy implications inherent in a given criminological theory or perspective. The evaluative and writing skills necessary for comparing, critiquing and presenting theories will be covered. We will also explore integrationist efforts in criminological theorizing and examine the utility of problem-oriented theorizing.

Grading

  • Seminar Participation 5%
  • Seminar Presentation 15%
  • Midterm exam (take home) 25%
  • Proposal (term paper) 5%
  • Draft 1 (term paper) 10%
  • Term Paper 20%
  • Final Exam (in-class) 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

1. Tibbetts, S. G., & Hemmens, C. (2015). Criminological Theory: A text/reader. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications (second edition).

2. Additional reserve and online readings will be required and made available on Canvas.

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