Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CRIM 318 D300

Special Topics in Criminology (3)

Crime & the Media

Class Number: 7076

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2025
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A critical analysis of specific areas of criminology or criminal justice. The subjects covered will change from term to term depending on the specific interests of faculty, or students and current issues in criminology.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines the complex relationships between crime, the criminal justice system, and the media (in all its many forms). Students will learn to critically analyze how the media frames and constructs criminal issues. Additionally, students will assess how the media portrays police, the court system, and the correctional systems and the implications this has on public opinion and policy development. Other important topics would include moral panics, political use of media, the CSI effect, disinformation and fake news, and social media’s role in promoting/responding to crime.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• Evaluate how various forms of media (news, social media, entertainment) frame and construct criminal issues, law enforcement, courts, and correctional systems
• Assess how media coverage shapes public opinion and contributes to policy development related to crime and justice.
• Explain historical and contemporary examples of moral panics, analyzing the media's role in amplifying societal fears about crime.
• Understand the political use of media in shaping criminal justice issues
• Assess how false or misleading information is spread through media channels, affecting public trust and responses to criminal justice matters.
• Analyze the role of social media in promoting and responding to crime
• Evaluate the impact of the ‘CSI effect’ on public expectations of forensic science and criminal investigations
• Expand their media literacy skills and increase their ability to critically consume media content.

Grading

  • Tutorial Attendance & Participation 10%
  • Tutorial Discussion Lead 10%
  • Written Assignment 30%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Clifford, K. & White, R. (2017). Media and crime: Content, context and consequence. Oxford University Press.
Additional required readings as indicated in the ‘Course Schedule’ of the syllabus can be accessed via the SFU Library catalogue.

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 term 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.