Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - CRIM 831 G100

Sexual Violence (3)

Class Number: 2629

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of theoretical, clinical, legal, and empirical issues related to sexual violence. Subject matter will vary according to instructor interests and specialization. Specific areas of concentration may include: theoretical models, developmental risk factors, and typologies of sexual violence, criminal careers of sexual offenders, actuarial and clinical risk assessment, treatment programs for sexual offenders, and criminal justice responses.

COURSE DETAILS:

The objectives of this course is to render to the students a significant understanding of some of the most contemporary issues related to sexual offending from a criminological perspective, an ability to think critically about these controversial issues on sex offenders, and a reflection on how empirical work may be applied in practice with this population (e.g., intervention, policies, etc.).   

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Demonstrate a theoretical, practical, and critical understanding of empirical research on sexual violence
  • Critically assess a variety of qualitative/quantitative studies on sexual violence
  • Identify and critically assess issues specific to sexual violence
  • Design and conduct an original criminological research project on a topic related to sexual violence
  • Prepare written report that demonstrates understanding of research processes and presentation of research findings
  • Further develop writing and presentation skills commensurate with graduate level work (e.g., present findings in class symposium)
  • Demonstrate familiarity with typologies of sexual offenders.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with a variety of assessments and interventions for sexual offenders (i.e., predictive measures, phallometric assessment, actuarial and clinical risk assessment, treatment programs, criminal justice system initiatives), and explain their strengths and shortcomings.
  • Apply criminological knowledge (theoretical and empirical) to the understanding of various issues related to sexual violence

Grading

  • Weekly seminar contributions and reading analyses 35%
  • Presentation of term paper 15%
  • Term Paper 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Weekly readings will be prescribed for each topic as the course proceeds.

Lussier, P., McCuish, E., Cale, J. (2021). Understanding sexual offending: An evidenced-based response to myths and misconceptions. Springer Publishing. Available for download for free at: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-53301-4

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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