Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CRIM 321 D100

Qualitative Research Methods in Criminology (3)

Class Number: 1178

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101; one of CRIM 120 or 220. This course may be taken concurrently with CRIM 320.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed examination and application of qualitative research methods and techniques most frequently used in criminological research. Advantages and disadvantages of each method and the appropriateness of each technique for criminological research. Ethics of criminological research. Specific issues of interdisciplinary research. Critical evaluation of qualitative methods used in certain major criminological studies.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

In this course you will:

  • Explain the nature and purpose of the qualitative research in the field of criminology.
  • Formulate research questions and draw connections to theoretical constructs that emerge from the data.
  • Recognize and critically evaluate ethical issues and considerations in qualitative criminological and interdisciplinary research and the implications of ethical decisions on participants, researchers and communities.
  • Understanding core values of ethics policy (i.e., TCPS2) and the role of ethics regulation (i.e., institutional research ethics boards) specific to qualitative research.
  • Demonstrate understanding of theoretical, practical, and critical aspects of qualitative research.
  • Identify the wide variety of qualitative research methods, aligning them with research questions the general strengths and shortcomings of each (i.e., interviews, focus groups, ethnography, qualitative content analysis, oral histories, case study methods, community based and participatory action research, and emerging qualitative methods).
  • Develop and apply necessary critical literacy skills to qualitative research articles.
  • Design and conduct an original qualitative research project (i.e., propose research project, obtain ethics approval, collect and analyze qualitative data, written report that demonstrates understanding of qualitative research processes and presentation of qualitative research findings).

Grading

  • Research Proposal 5%
  • Midterm Exam 15%
  • In class activities (weekly) 15%
  • Research Project Activities 20%
  • Research Project 25%
  • Final Exam 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  1. Van den Hoonaard, & Van den Scott. (2022). Qualitative research in action : a Canadian primer / Deborah K. Van Den Hoonaard, Lisa-Jo Van Den Scott. (Fourth edition.). Oxford University Press.
  2. Weekly on-line and electronic reserve readings.

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

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.