Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2018 - CRIM 332 J100

Sociology of Law (3)

Class Number: 6905

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 9, 2018
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Instructor:

    Charmaine Perkins

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101 and 135.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the theory of sociology of law. Law and social structure. Law as a product of a social system and as an instrument of social change. Social functions of the law. Relationship between law and the structure and function of various other social institutions. The process of law-making. Process by which various interests become translated into legal rules. The social reality of the law; the law in action. Social sciences findings into the operation and practice of the law. Critical and feminist perspectives on law. Public knowledge, awareness, opinions and attitudes to the law, sanctions and the criminal justice system.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course asks students to think critically about the role of law in society.  The course encourages students to reflect critically on the complexities of Canadian law, and, in particular, on how legal processes both influence and are shaped by social, political, and economic relations.  This course is designed to advance students’ knowledge of the complexity of law, its methods, and its theoretical debates by focusing on two main themes: the culture of rights and the regulation of morality.  The course is divided into two sections.  Part One will focus on classical and contemporary socio-legal theories.  Part Two will review the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and examine recent Supreme Court cases.  A main objective of the course is to teach students how to draw on theoretical frameworks to analyze contemporary socio-legal debates.  A range of topics are discussed, including the regulation of abortion, prostitution, drugs, euthanasia, privacy, LGBTQ rights and homelessness.

Grading

  • Midterm 20%
  • Research Paper 30%
  • Tutorial participation/attendance 10%
  • Presentation 10%
  • 5-Liners 10%
  • Final Exam 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course readings are available online through SFU’s library.


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