Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CRIM 326 D100

Criminological Analysis of Homicide (3)

Class Number: 3157

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101 and CRIM 103.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Using a criminological approach, the course examines the homicide offender, their victim, and the homicidal criminal event. Students are expected to discuss various types of homicide and demonstrate knowledge and understanding related to the different correlates of homicide. Students will apply their knowledge through the analysis of a homicide case. Students who have taken CRIM 319 in Fall 2018 or in Fall 2019 under the title "The Advocacy of Homicide" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an exploration and critical assessment of the various theories of homicide. Using a criminological approach, the course examines the homicide offender and his victim, the homicidal criminal event, and the different responses to this type of crime. Students should be able to discuss the various types of homicide and trends in homicide rates as well as demonstrate knowledge and understanding related to the different types of homicide and profile of murderers. Also, students should be able to describe as well as demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various factors which contribute to the commission of homicide (e.g., poverty, economic opportunity). Finally, students will also demonstrate and apply their knowledge of the types and correlates of homicide as a part of a real case study. Here are the main learning objectives for the course:

  • Examine the current theoretical, clinical, and legal issues related to the crime of homicide using a criminological perspective;
  • Compare various types of homicide as well as the different theoretical approaches and perspectives used to explain these crimes;
  • Describe society’s and the criminal justice system’s response to homicide;
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding as to the different correlates of homicide;
  • Apply knowledge on a specific type of homicide to a real case and analyze the complete crime-commission process of the offender;
  • Generalize risk factors associated with different types of crime to homicide;
  • Assess prevention measures associated with the various types of homicide.

Grading

  • Test 1 20%
  • Test 2 20%
  • Test 3 20%
  • Term Paper 30%
  • Participation 10%

NOTES:

* There are no tutorials for this course. This is a 3-hour lecture. Participation will be done through Packback.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  1. Peer-reviewed articles to be determined during the semester. Available through the SFU library website.
  2. Packback discussion platform (https://www.packback.co).
  3. Book of your choice on a real case of homicide.

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

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 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.