Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CRIM 491 D100

Current Theory and Research in Criminology: Advanced Topics (4)

Class Number: 1016

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Open only to students who have been admitted to the criminology honours program.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A detailed and comprehensive examination of the dominant theoretical and methodological research programs currently found in criminology. Content tailored to the research projects undertaken by current students in the criminology honours program. Students are required to attend a weekly seminar.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain and critically assess the nature and purpose of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research in the field of criminology.
  • Apply contemporary theories as explanations for problems of a criminal nature through research.
  • Formulate hypotheses based on theoretical constructs and/or research questions that draw connections to theoretical constructs that emerge from the data.
  • Recognize and critically evaluate ethical issues and considerations in quantitative and qualitative criminological and interdisciplinary research and the implications of ethical decisions on participants, researchers and communities.
  • Understand core values of ethics policy (i.e., TCPS2) and the role of ethics regulation (i.e., institutional research ethics boards) specific to criminological research.
  • Demonstrate understanding of theoretical, practical, and critical aspects of criminological research.
  • Develop and apply necessary critical literacy skills to assess criminological research articles.
  • Develop competency in preparing to conduct honours research project (e.g., written and oral communication, library searches, using thesis template, conducting literature review).

Grading

  • The Conversation Canada Article 15%
  • Annotated Bibliography 15%
  • Final Paper 30%
  • Group Presentation 15%
  • Proposal Lightning Talk 10%
  • Seminar Attendance, Engagement, & Activities 15%

NOTES:

Students are required to log-in to Canvas (canvas.sfu.ca) on the first day of the semester and continue to log-in every 2-3 days thereafter.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  1. Weekly content will be available via Canvas.

 

 


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.