Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CRIM 101 D100

Introduction to Criminology (3)

Class Number: 1002

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces terms and concepts commonly used in criminology. Students explore criminology as a body of knowledge and a profession, examining its subject matter, its position within the social sciences, and its relationship with other disciplines. Covers the history and evolution of criminological thought. Discussions address different levels of explanation in criminology, crime typologies, the relationship between theory and practice, and the application of criminological research in shaping modern criminal policy. Emphasizes the role of empirical research in understanding crime patterns, evaluating theories, and informing policy decisions. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Identify and define key concepts (e.g., crime and deviance, delinquency, perpetrators and victims, crime types, deterrence, punishment, crime prevention, victimology);
  2. Understand systems, institutions and social movements that influence public perceptions of crime (i.e., media, moral entrepreneurs, moral panics, crime control and due process, consensus and conflict approaches);
  3. Demonstrate understanding of the history and evolution of criminological thought and be able to critically analyze criminological theory and approaches (e.g., Classical, Positivist and Chicago Schools; social control and social learning theories; anomie-strain theories, biological and biosocial theories; developmental and life-course theories, environmental criminology; and critical theories);
  4. Demonstrate understanding of various sources of crime data (e.g., Uniform Crime Report, General Social Survey, self-report surveys, quantitative and qualitative research studies, as well as court and corrections data);
  5. Describe major types of crime with a focus on key classifications (e.g., violent crimes, property crimes, organized crime, corporate crime, and cybercrime, public-order crimes, and transnational crime); and
  6. Identify current and emerging issues and trends in criminology.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 15%
  • Tutorial Presentation 10%
  • Short Paper 1 10%
  • Short Paper 2 15%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam (during final exam period) 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  1. Hassan, S. & Lett, D. (2026).Introduction to Criminology (2nd ed.). Kwantlen Polytechnic University. https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/introcrim2e/
  2. Additional resources and readings provided on Canvas.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.