Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - CRIM 418 D100

Current Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3)

Experiments in Policing

Class Number: 7255

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2020
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.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 will explore the use of experiments in policing. The emphasis of the course will be split between technical knowledge regarding experimental methods and applied use of such methods in policing contexts. During the first half of the semester, students will be exposed to the use of experimental methods in empirical research (e.g., laboratory experiments; field experiments; quasi-experiments). Topics will include experimental design, operationalization, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and data presentation. During the second half of the semester, students will be exposed to applied research in the field of policing that has employed the methods reviewed in the first half of the course. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to actively engage with the material in order to enhance their comprehension of the material and sharpen their analytical skills. For example, students will participate in class discussions, respond to questions using iClicker software, and evaluate the use of experimental methods in policing research. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with practitioners working within the field of policing as part of a series of coordinated visits from police officers who have conducted their own policing experiments. Course comprehension will be measured via multiple methods of assessment.

Grading

  • Midterm 25%
  • Research Proposal 10%
  • Presentation 10%
  • Term Paper 30%
  • Participation 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There are no required texts. All assigned readings will be available for download via the course website

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