Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CRIM 862 G200

Research Methods III: Qualitative Methods (3)

Class Number: 7305

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A range of research techniques generally subsumed under the rubric of qualitative research including field research, interview techniques, historical and legal research, and documentary analysis. Emphasis will be on the logic underlying such inquiry, the advantages and limitations associated with different sources of information and procedures, and the processes by which analytical rigor is achieved. Students enrolling in this course are expected to have a solid background in undergraduate qualitative research methods, equivalent to CRIM 321.

COURSE DETAILS:

Crim 862 is an advanced (but not too advanced …) graduate seminar on qualitative research methods in criminology that mixes literature, discussion and research experience. Goals for the course include:

(a) ensuring you understand the logic of qualitative inquiry both in and of itself and vis-à-vis quantitative inquiry;
(b) exposing you to a range of techniques and approaches that are subsumed under the “qualitative” umbrella;
(c) informing you about some ways the digital revolution has influenced and may influence qualitative inquiry;
(d) exposing you to some of the sociology of knowledge issues that affect and are affected by qualitative approaches and techniques;
(e) providing you opportunities to engage in qualitative research that is in keeping with your own interests and curiosities; and
(f) providing you opportunities to further develop your writing and presentation skills.

Grading

  • Presentation of an article (from list supplied by instructor) 20%
  • Participation in/Contribution to class discussion 20%
  • Term Research Project - class presentation 20%
  • Term Research Project - final written research report 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings for the course will be available online. 


RECOMMENDED READING:

If you would like a background text as a resource if you have a limited background in qualitative methods, Bruce Berg’s Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences (any edition from #4 onward) is pretty good; edition 4 can be found online. If you’d like something newer, Qualitative Research Methods (2nd edition) by Henninck, Hutter & Bailey (2020) is pretty good and a good reflection of the content in our undergrad qualitative methods (Crim 321).

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.