Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - CRIM 417 D100

Current Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3)

Groups and Crime

Class Number: 8055

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2019
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A critical analysis of certain 'hot' issues in criminology and criminal justice. The topics covered change from term to term.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is designed to introduce students to the study of group and peer processes related to criminal behavior and criminal justice intervention. The course will provide a comprehensive understanding of criminological theory related to group behavior, the way in which groups can be defined and how different forms of groups facilitate criminal behavior. Topics will include mechanisms of peer influence, causality in the study of group behavior, measuring peer or group influence, sources of peer influence, an understanding of the role of peer networks and roles within peer networks, the role of peer networks in explaining other criminological phenomena (i.e., desistance), gender composition of peer networks, situating peer networks into context, street gangs, and interventions that integrates a focus on groups. Students will submit a research proposal to exhibit comprehensive knowledge of the issues covered throughout the course and to explore a novel area in the study of groups and crime.

OBJECTIVES: To learn about the role of groups in explaining criminal behavior and understand the theoretical mechanisms that underlie how deviant others facilitate crime.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 15%
  • Research Project Outline & Annotated Bibliography 15%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Research Paper 30%
  • Research Presentation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Jennifer L. Schulenberg. 2016. The Dynamics of Criminological Research. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.

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://www.sfu.ca/students/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