Spring 2025 - CRIM 801 G100
Criminological Theory II (3)
Class Number: 2888
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Martin Bouchard
mba38@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
CRIM 800, or permission of the instructor.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Advanced topics in criminological theory. Topics for in-depth analysis will be selected according to the availability and interest in specific course instructors. The course will emphasize theoretical construction and development, the importance of theory, and how it structure criminological thought.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course will involve a detailed analysis of some of the most current influential theories in criminology, such as rational choice, opportunity, anomie, strain theories, and Gottfredson & Hirschi’s general theory of crime. Both theoretical and empirical testing of these perspectives will be analyzed throughout the course. The aim will be to apply one of these theories to your specific research areas in order to build an empirical research proposal.
The course will proceed with the assumption that students have completed CRIM 800 or an equivalent course. Students are strongly advised to prepare for the course by reviewing previous work on criminological theory.
Grading
- Participation 15%
- Short papers and assignments 30%
- Presentation of term paper 15%
- Term paper 40%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
All texts are available online via the SFU Library:
- Agnew, R. (2011). Toward a Unified Criminology: Integrating Assumptions about Crime, People and Society. New York: NYU Press. Access via SFU Library (Project Muse or Ebook Central)
- Akers, R. (2017). Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance. Taylor and Francis. Access via SFU Library (Taylor and Francis Ebooks)
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
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.