Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - CRIM 800 G100

Criminological Theory I (3)

Class Number: 6012

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Intensive exposure to the major streams of criminological theory, the role of theory, and how theory develops, evolves, and changes. Consideration will be given to the relationship between criminological theories, their testable hypotheses and empirical support, as well as the interplay of theory and practice. Students enrolling in this course are expected to have a solid background in undergraduate criminological theory. Equivalent to CRIM 300W.

COURSE DETAILS:

A comprehensive overview of theories and the development of theoretical knowledge in criminology. This seminar will familiarize students with competing levels of understanding vis-àvis crime and deviance phenomena. The course will emphasize the integration of historical and contemporary theory, theory construction and testing, and the impact of factors such as ideology, politics, and social structure on the emergence of criminological thought.

Grading

  • Seminar Participation/Attendance 20%
  • Theory & Article Discussion Lead 30%
  • Paper Presentation 10%
  • Final Paper 40%

NOTES:

The course consists of weekly seminars. These mandatory seminars will include instruction, student presentations, and student discussions.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Cullen, Francis T., Agnew, R., & Wilcox, P. (2013). Criminological Theory: Past to Present – Essential 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.

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 semester 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.