Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - CRIM 801 G100

Criminological Theory II (3)

Class Number: 4076

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

Intensive exposure to major streams of criminological theory. Topics for in-depth analysis will be selected according to the availability and interest of specific course instructors. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between ideas and social forces, as well as the interplay of theory and practice.


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.

Grading

  • Weekly Seminar contributions and ready analyses 35%
  • Presentation of term paper 15%
  • Term Paper 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Agnew, R. (2011). Toward a Unified Criminology: Integrating Assumptions about Crime, People and Society. New York: NYU Press.
  • Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A general theory of crime. Stanford University Press.
  • Weekly readings will be prescribed for each topic as the course proceeds.

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