Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - CRIM 103 E100

Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behavior (3)

Class Number: 5971

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 18, 2023
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 100 and 102 are recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to, and critical examination of, biogenetic, psychiatric, and psychological explanations of criminal and deviant behavior. Special attention will be given to the hypothesized links between criminality and genetics, physiology, the endocrine system, mental disorders, personality, moral development, and other forms of social learning. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Identify psychological theories used to explain crime and criminality, their key principles, and as sociated empirical evidence.
  • Identify key elements and interpret findings in reports of empirical research on explanations of criminal and deviant behaviour.
  • Identify and criticallly evaluate key psychological, behavioural, emotional, and cognitive aspects of criminal offending (e.g., psychopathy, mental disorder, substance use, personality and behavioural disorders, neurobiological impacts of trauma).
  • Understand how existing psychological theories and perspectives apply to individuals who commit crimes (i.e., risk factors, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, release).
  • Identify the relationship between mental health, criminality and the law in Canada.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 15%
  • Plagiarism quiz P/F%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Term Paper 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

P/F = Pass/Fail

Tutorial participation (15%):

Tutorials will be utilized to expand on selected lecture topics through in-class activities such as discussion of readings, small group work and collaborative activities, and games. Participation will be assessed based on attendance and active engagement with class activities.

Plagiarism quiz (P/F):

Students will be required to review the SFU Library’s plagiarism module and complete a plagiarism quiz. The quiz is pass/fail, and its purpose is to ensure that all students are aware of the types of behaviours that constitute plagiarism.

Midterm exam (25%):

The midterm exam will assess understanding and retention of course material and will cover material from weeks 1-5. The format will include multiple choice and short answer questions.

Term paper (30%):

Students will analyze a psychological theory or construct discussed in the course and discuss how the theory or construct can explain the criminal behaviour of a well-known offender.  

Final exam (30%):

The final exam will assess understanding and retention of course material and will cover post-midterm material. The format will include multiple choice and short answer questions.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lyon, D.R. & Welsh, A. (2017).  The Psychology of Criminal and Violent Behaviour. Oxford University Press Canada: Don Mills, Ontario.

Additional readings as posted on Canvas.


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.

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.  
  • 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 (SWH 10156), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only, with the contents date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will be accepted (e.g. Library/Campus Security).  For the Surrey Campus, assignments must be hand delivered to the General Office of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, located at SUR 5180, on Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30p.m., or placed in the assignment drop box located at the southwest corner of Galleria 5.  The Surrey assignment drop box is emptied Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with the contents date stamped accordingly.  The School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted in any other manner (e.g., slid under office doors).  The University does NOT accept assignments by fax or email.
  • 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 they will receive a grade of N. 
  • 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.

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.

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.