Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CRIM 800 G100

Criminological Theory I (3)

Class Number: 1448

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 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.

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

Grading

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

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Cullen, Francis T., Agnew, R., & Wilcox, P. (2021). Criminological Theory: Past to Present – Essential Readings.
ISBN: 9780197619315

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

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.