Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - CRIM 459 D100

Organized Crime (3)

Class Number: 8300

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2019
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the many forms of organized crime, including theories and models. Explores specific activities involving organized criminals, traditional organized crime, street gangs and motorcycle gangs, and criminal justice responses to organized crime. Students with credit for CRIM 416 in Spring 2009 or CRIM 313 in Fall 2009 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an examination of the many forms of organized crime (e.g. mafia, outlaw motorcycle gang, commercial interest, street crews/chains etc.) with the goal of students gaining a breadth of understanding of the various types and forms of organized crime groups, their organizational structures, history, activities, and threat levels in Canada today. A review of current academic and legal literature and news media publications will be conducted to examine the phenomenon of organized crime with specific focus on current events in British Columbia. Canadian crime groups and crime industries will be examined with specific focus on their impact on the national and global economy and place in global organized crime. Specific topics will include political response to organized crime and gang violence, influence of the media (news and entertainment) on perceptions of organized crime, similarities and differences between Canadian and American organized crime groups as well as others (see weekly schedule). Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of organized crime through the in-depth study of relevant literature, research and the evaluation of recent developments in prevention and interdiction.    

PREREQUISITE: CRIM 101. If you have taken a special topics courses (i.e. CRIM 313 or CRIM 416) on this topic, you may not take this course for further credit.      

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Quizzes (approximately 7) 30%
  • Media project 15%
  • Term (research) paper 20%
  • Presentation – research paper topic and critical reflection 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Links to weekly readings will be posted 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://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