Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - CRIM 300W D100

Current Theories and Perspectives in Criminology (3)

Class Number: 3424

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed examination of current theories and perspectives in criminology. The content of the course will change with developments in the area. Students can expect to study biological, psychological and sociological theories and perspectives, as well as those from other relevant disciplines and fields of inquiry (e.g. geography, political science and cultural studies). Students with credit for CRIM 300 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This writing intensive course provides a cumulative exploration and critical assessment of contemporary theory in Criminology. Among other things, students will explore current developments in biological and psychological explanations, control theory, and critical criminological perspectives. The emphasis will be on identifying the criminal justice/social policy implications inherent within a given criminological theory or perspective. The evaluative and writing skills necessary for comparing, critiquing and presenting theories will be covered. We will also explore integrationist efforts in criminological theorizing and examine the utility of problem-oriented theorizing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, instruction (which is normally offered “face to face” on campus) will be presented “remotely” via interactive Zoom lectures/tutorials/office hours, Canvas and email. There will be no in-person meetings/ lectures/tutorials/office hours during the entire Spring 2021 semester. Please ensure you have a stable Internet connection and a functional webcam, since there will be times in tutorial and office hours when we will be speaking with each other using our webcams. Most of the lectures (e.g., except for the first lecture on January 8th, 2021) in the Spring 2021 semester will be offered asynchronously, i.e., the recordings of the lectures will be posted on the Canvas for you to watch every week. All tutorials will be conducted synchronously (live) during the allocated time for each tutorial group. This option allows students to speak up and have the teaching assistants answer questions live.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation (Online via Canvas) 20%
  • Group Tutorial Presentation Draft (Writing sample milestone for constructive feedback without penalty) 5%
  • Group Tutorial Presentation & Write-up (Summary and critical analysis of an assigned reading) 20%
  • Midterm Draft (Writing sample milestone for constructive feedback without penalty) 5%
  • Midterm Paper (Fact Pattern & Theory Application) 20%
  • Final Paper Draft (Writing sample milestone for constructive feedback without penalty) 5%
  • Final Paper (Fact Pattern & Theory Application) 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

1. Snipes, J.B., Bernard, T.J., & Gerould, A.L. (2019). Vold’s Theoretical criminology. Oxford University Press, 8th edition.
Ebook access: https://www.redshelf.com/book/1470051/volds-theoretical-criminology-1470051-9780190940522-jeffrey-b-snipes-alexander-l-gerould
https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/vold-39-s-theoretical-criminology-jeffrey-b-snipes-alexander-v9780190940522?term=9780190940515

2. Additional electronic journal readings may also be assigned during the semester.

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 Center for Accessible Learning, (MBC 1250 or Phone 778-782-3112) if you need or require assistance, not your individual instructors.  
  • A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components), otherwise they will receive a grade of N. 
  • The University has formal policies regarding academic dishonesty and grade appeals. Students are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with policy S 10.01, the Code of Academic Integrity and Good Conduct, available on the University’s website. Information about grade appeals 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.

Please note that all teaching at SFU in spring term 2021 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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 their own 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

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).