Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - CRIM 220 D100

Research Methods in Criminology (3)

Class Number: 6979

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2020
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Any 100 division CRIM course is recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to criminological research that is intended to develop the student's research and analytical skills. Specifically, the course will focus on the theory of inquiry, the logic, and structure of criminological inquiry, research design, data gathering, analysis and reporting. Students with credit for CRIM 120 may not take CRIM 220 for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Students with credit for CRIM 120 may not take CRIM 220 for further credit.

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles and methods of social science research as applied to criminological issues. The course will prepare students to critically appraise reported research and to select appropriate methods when designing research studies. Topics to be covered include the theory and practice of social science research; ethics in criminological research; structuring research questions; constructs and measurement; sampling; experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs; quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques; and an introduction to data analysis. Students will design their own research project and submit a formal proposal for evaluation.

Grading

  • Plagiarism Quiz Pass/Fail%
  • Tutorial Assignments and Participation 10%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Short Paper 10%
  • Research Proposal 25%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

1.   Maxfield, M. G., & Babbie, E. R. (2018).  Research Methods for Criminal Justice and Criminology (8th Edition).  Stamford, CT:  Cengage/Nelson.  ISBN-13: 9781285067841 

2.   On-line articles available through the SFU library as links through the course Canvas page

Department Undergraduate Notes:

If you have any Criminology course enrollment requests (course adds, course swaps), please contact a Criminology advisor. Please do not contact instructors for enrollment assistance as they will ultimately refer you to a Criminology advisor.

Criminology course enrollment requests should be sent to a Criminology advisor no later than the last day of the Second week of classes. Late enrollment requests are subject to approval and are not guaranteed. 

Enrollment requests for non-Crim courses should be directed to the advisor for the program offering the course. 


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