Courses
Note 1: Criminology students intending to major in Criminology at Simon Fraser University should get an information package from the SFU Counselling Services or the Criminology department. See also Psychology 103: Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour; and Political Science 151: Law and Politics.
Note 2: First priority will be given to students enrolled in VIU's Criminology diploma or degree programs.
CRIM 101 (3) Intro to Criminology
An introduction to the basic concepts, theories and methodology in criminology. Topics include the central ideas of crime and criminology, classical and modern theories of criminal behaviour and their social policy implications, crime typologies, and the criminal justice system. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.
CRIM 103 (3) Psycho-social Explanations of Criminality
A survey of biogenetic, psychiatric, and psychological explanations of anti-social behaviour. Topics include the theoretical and empirical links between criminality and genetics, physiology, mental disorders, personality, moral development, and social learning. Credit will only be granted for one of PSYC 103 or CRIM 103. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None. (CRIM 101 and PSYC 111/112 highly recommended.)
CRIM 131 (3) Intro to the Criminal Justice System
An examination of the structure and operation of the police, courts and corrections, including the relationship between the various components of the criminal justice system and community agencies. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.
CRIM 135 (3) Intro to Canadian Law and Legal Institutions: A Criminal Justice Perspective
An introduction to the principles of jurisprudence and the legal institutions of Canada. Topics include the history of Canadian law, the development of the Canadian constitution, Canadian courts and the legal profession, the nature of legal reasoning, the doctrine of precedent, principles of statutory interpretation, constitutional law, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, contract, torts, administrative and family law, and the process of law reform in Canada. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.
CRIM 200 (3) Aboriginal Issues in the Canadian Criminal Justice System (Ends Dec 2009)
A survey of contemporary topics as they pertain to Native issues in the Canadian criminal justice system. This includes historical linkages to Native justice issues today, public perceptions of Natives and crime, government inquiries into miscarriages of justice, traditional systems of social control, the criminal law, developments in Native policing, aboriginal courtworkers, the over-representation of Natives in corrections, and possibilities through self government. Focuses on historical, sociological and cultural perspectives as they pertain to aboriginal peoples, deviance, crime and social control. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 131.
CRIM 200 (3) Aboriginal Issues in the Canadian Criminal Justice System (Effective Jan 2010)
A survey of contemporary topics as they pertain to Native issues in the Canadian criminal justice system. This includes historical linkages to Native justice issues today, public perceptions of Natives and crime, government inquiries into miscarriages of justice, traditional systems of social control, the criminal law, developments in Native policing, aboriginal courtworkers, the over-representation of Natives in corrections, and possibilities through self government. Focuses on historical, sociological and cultural perspectives as they pertain to aboriginal peoples, deviance, crime and social control. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
CRIM 204 (3) Deviance, Crime and Social Control
An introduction to sociological explanations of deviant and criminal behaviour. Topics include perspectives from anomie, subcultural, social control, neutralization, labelling, ecological and conflict theories, and their respective social policy implications. Credit will only be granted for one of SOCI 240 or CRIM 204. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 101.
CRIM 210 (3) Law, Youth and Young Offenders (Ends Dec 2009)
An analysis of the nature, prevalence, consequences, and control of youth crime. Topics include the decline of "juvenile delinquency," the emergence of "young offenders", and the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Analyzes the scientific explanations for crime and the relative effectiveness of preventing and responding to antisocial behaviour. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in both CRIM 101, and either CRIM 103 or PSYC 103.
CRIM 210 (3) Law, Youth and Young Offenders (Effective Jan 2010)
An analysis of the nature, prevalence, consequences, and control of youth crime. Topics include the decline of "juvenile delinquency," the emergence of "young offenders", and the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Analyzes the scientific explanations for crime and the relative effectiveness of preventing and responding to antisocial behaviour. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
CRIM 213 (3) Gender, Crime and Justice (Ends Dec 2009)
A critical examination of gender specific characteristics of female criminal behaviour and social reactions to it. Topics encompass specific types of female criminality, gender-specific pathways into criminal behaviour, the penal regulation of criminalized women and girls, and prospects for social change. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 101.
CRIM 213 (3) Gender, Crime and Justice (Effective Jan 2010)
A critical examination of gender specific characteristics of female criminal behaviour and social reactions to it. Topics encompass specific types of female criminality, gender-specific pathways into criminal behaviour, the penal regulation of criminalized women and girls, and prospects for social change. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
CRIM 220 (3) Research Methods in Criminology
An introduction to criminological research and the methods used to collect data, focusing on scientific inquiry, research techniques, theory construction and data analysis. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 101.
CRIM 230 (3) Criminal Law
A study of the nature, purpose, scope and application of the criminal law in Canada. Topics include the legal concepts of actus reus, mens rea, criminal responsibility, and legal defenses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 135.
CRIM 241 (3) Intro to Corrections (Ends Dec 2009)
An analysis of the development and operation of correctional systems in Canada. Issues include the relationship between inmates and prison staff, community-based corrections and treatment programs. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 131.
CRIM 241 (3) Intro to Corrections (Effective Jan 2010)
An analysis of the development and operation of correctional systems in Canada. Issues include the relationship between inmates and prison staff, community-based corrections and treatment programs. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
CRIM 251 (3) Intro to Policing (Ends Dec 2009)
An examination of the history, organization, structure, and operation of contemporary Canadian law enforcement agencies with emphasis on the police role, occupational sub-culture, legal powers, and the exercise of discretion. Topics include recruitment and training of police officers, police accountability, the development of police-community relations, and community policing programs. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 131.
CRIM 251 (3) Intro to Policing (Effective Jan 2010)
An examination of the history, organization, structure, and operation of contemporary Canadian law enforcement agencies with emphasis on the police role, occupational sub-culture, legal powers, and the exercise of discretion. Topics include recruitment and training of police officers, police accountability, the development of police-community relations, and community policing programs. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: None.
CRIM 290 (3) Alternative Conflict Resolution in Criminal Justice Systems (Ends Dec 2009)
A survey of the ideology, assumptions, theories and practices informing alternative conflict resolution models emerging in various criminal justice systems throughout the world. The aboriginal foundations for dispute resolution in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the United States and some Western European countries provide an historical context, as well as the social forces behind disillusionment with retributive responses to criminal offending. Examines evaluations of alternative conflict models such as accountability boards, healing circles, restorative justice options for youth, family conferences, victim-offender mediation programs, and similar programs taking place which involve prisoners. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.
CRIM 290 (3) Alternative Conflict Resolution in Criminal Justice Systems (Effective Jan 2010)
A survey of the ideology, assumptions, theories, and practices informing alternative conflict resolution models emerging in various criminal justice systems around the world. The course examines evaluations of models such as accountability boards, healing circles, restorative justice, family conferences, victim-offender mediation, and similar programs that involve accused persons. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: None.
CRIM 321 (3) Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Policy
An investigation of past and contemporary Canadian and US crime prevention policies. Topics include crime prevention through deterrence, social development, environmental design, law reform, evaluation research, and the wider political and social conditions in which policies are developed. Credit will only be granted for one of CRIM 420 or CRIM 321. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 101 and CRIM 131.
CRIM 334 (3) Law and Society
A critical examination of the interplay between law and society focusing on the functions of law as social control, dispute resolution, and social change. Topics include: socio-legal theoretical perspectives; the organization of law and perspectives on lawmaking; minority rights and equality; and social science research and law. CRIM 334 was formerly called CRIM 390; credit will not be granted for both courses. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in each of CRIM 101 and CRIM 135.
CRIM 340 (3) Advanced Topics in Criminal Law and Procedure
An examination of Canadian criminal law in depth, drawing attention to law in other jurisdictions with a Westminster-based, adversarial legal system. Builds on the ideas and concepts from CRIM 230. Consideration of specific crimes, defenses and topics. New material includes coverage of specific crimes (e.g., fraud, theft, sexual offences, offences against public order, etc.), legal defenses and other relevant topics in procedural law. Credit will only be granted for one of CRIM 430 or CRIM 340. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in both CRIM 135 and CRIM 230.
CRIM 350 (3) Qualitative Research Methods
The course prepares students to use qualitative methods and analysis for conducting social research. Topics include qualitative interviewing, content analysis, observation, field research, and participatory action research. Credit will only be granted for one of SOCI 350, SOCI 375A, PSYC 304 or CRIM 350. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 101 and a min. "C-" in either CRIM 220 or SOCI 250.
CRIM 351 (3) Quantitative Research Methods
An examination of quantitative methods for conducting research. Topics include conceptualization, literature reviews, developing testable hypotheses, operationalizing variables, and data analysis using bivariate and multivariate techniques with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Credit will only be granted for one of SOCI 351, PSYC 300A or CRIM 351. (2:0:1)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in either MATH 161 or MATH 211 and a min. "C-" in one of CRIM 220, PSYC 204, or SOCI 250.
CRIM 360 (3) Advanced Criminological Theory (Ends Dec 2009)
An exploration of recent empirical and theoretical work in criminology since 1980, especially integrated, multi-factor, integrated-structural, life course, evolutionary, biological, developmental, 'latent trait', routine activities and deterrence theories. Critique of positivistic science, penology and the correctionalist paradigm through Marxist, feminist and post-modernist discourse and research. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 101, CRIM 103, and CRIM 204.
CRIM 360 (3) Advanced Criminological Theory (Effective Jan 2010)
An exploration of recent empirical and theoretical work in criminology since 1980, especially integrated, multi-factor, integrated-structural, life course, evolutionary, biological, developmental, 'latent trait', routine activities and deterrence theories. Critique of positivistic science, penology and the correctionalist paradigm through Marxist, feminist and post-modernist discourse and research. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in each of CRIM 101 and CRIM 220.
CRIM 390 (3) Law and Society (Ends Jan 2010)
An examination of law and social structure and as an instrument of social change. Topics include social functions of the law and its relationship with various other social institutions; the process of law-making, including the process by which various interests become translated into legal rules; legal and substantive equality; social science research into the operation and practice of law; critical and feminist perspectives; public knowledge, awareness, opinions and attitudes to the law, sanctions and the criminal justice system. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 101, CRIM 230, and SOCI 111.
CRIM 400 (3) Law and Human Rights (Ends Dec 2009)
An examination of the concepts of individual and collective rights and their implementation in provincial human rights codes, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and in international law. The historical development of the idea of a right as a means of protecting individual autonomy and group differences. Emphasis on the Canadian experience with the Charter and the problems of balancing the claims of rights holders with the legitimate objectives of democratic governments. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in POLI 151 and CRIM 230.
CRIM 400 (3) Law and Human Rights (Effective Jan 2010)
An examination of legal rights and their implementation in provincial human rights codes, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and international law. Topics include historical development rights to protect individual autonomy and group differences. Emphasis is on the Canadian experience with the Charter and the problems of balancing the claims of rights holders with the legitimate objectives of democratic governments. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 135.
CRIM 430 (3) Advanced Topics in Criminal Law and Procedure
An examination of Canadian criminal law in depth, drawing attention to law in other jurisdictions with a Westminster-based, adversarial legal system. Builds on the ideas and concepts from consideration of specific crimes, defenses and topics. New material includes coverage of specific crimes (e.g., fraud, theft, sexual offences, offences against public order, etc.), legal defenses and other relevant topics in procedural law. Credit will only be granted for one of CRIM 340 or CRIM 430. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in each of CRIM 135 and CRIM 230.
CRIM 440 (3) Alternate Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills (Ends Dec 2009)
A balance of theory and practical application to equip students with the aptitude for negotiation skills necessary to resolve conflicts in a work setting. Focus on different processes such as negotiations, mediation, victim-offender mediation and circle sentencing, using skills such as active listening, probing, re-framing, assertiveness and reducing defensiveness by managing the emotional climate. (0:1:2)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 101 and CRIM 204.
CRIM 440 (3) Alternate Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills (Effective Jan 2010)
A balance of theory and practical application to equip students with the aptitude for negotiation skills necessary to resolve conflicts in a work setting. Focus on different processes such as negotiations, mediation, victim-offender mediation and circle sentencing, using skills such as active listening, probing, re-framing, assertiveness and reducing defensiveness by managing the emotional climate. (0:1:2)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in each of CRIM 101 and CRIM 131.
CRIM 450 (3) Criminal Justice Systems: An International Perspective (Ends Dec 2009)
An exploration of criminal justice systems in different countries to understand their respective historical, political, socioeconomic and cultural influences. Focus is on the respective legal foundations, policing, adjudication forums, and official sanctions within each country. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C+" in CRIM 131.
CRIM 450 (3) Criminal Justice Systems: An International Perspective (Effective Jan 2010)
An exploration of criminal justice systems in different countries to understand their respective historical, political, socioeconomic and cultural influences. Focus is on the respective legal foundations, policing, adjudication forums, and official sanctions within each country. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in CRIM 131.
CRIM 470 (3) Dynamics of Terrorism (Ends Dec 2009)
An evaluation of evolving forms of terror which pose a threat to nation states and global security. The historical, political and ideological origins of domestic and international terrorism in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East are explored, along with contemporary reactions to terrorism. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: All required third-year Criminology courses must be completed.
CRIM 470 (3) Dynamics of Terrorism (Effective Jan 2010)
An evaluation of evolving forms of terror which pose a threat to nation states and global security. The historical, political and ideological origins of domestic and international terrorism in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East are explored, along with contemporary reactions to terrorism. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: CRIM 131 and CRIM 135.
CRIM 474 (1) Field Placement Preparation
These sessions are intended to introduce students to the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and strategies required to seek and secure work. The primary focus of the sessions is to prepare students to successfully secure a field or applied research placement and to provide the tools to be successful in that placement. (0:1:0)
Prerequisite: All third-year CRIM courses must be completed.
CRIM 475 (5) Applied Research/Field Placement
An opportunity to develop professional roles and applied experience through placements in the criminal justice system or related areas (16 hr/week). Alternatively, the same opportunities for professional development will be made by conducting a research project in collaboration with agency representatives. Note: Criminal Record Check may be required (at student's expense). (0:1.5:0 —240)
Prerequisite: All third-year CRIM courses must be completed, CRIM 474 and PHIL 465.
CRIM 480 (3) Organizational Crime: A Global Perspective (Ends Dec 2009)
An examination of international criminal gangs, transnational corporations, and the modern state. These entities are examined against domestic/international laws restricting their activities, the extent of the harms they facilitate, and enforcement/compliance issues. Theories from critical criminology provide the main framework for understanding organizational crimes. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in each of CRIM 101, CRIM 131, and CRIM 360.
CRIM 480 (3) Organizational Crime: A Global Perspective (Effective Jan 2010)
An examination of international criminal gangs, transnational corporations, and the modern state. These entities are examined against domestic/international laws restricting their activities, the extent of the harms they facilitate, and enforcement/compliance issues. Theories from critical criminology provide the main framework for understanding organizational crimes. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C-" in each of CRIM 101 and CRIM 135.