Criminology/Criminal Justice

CRIMINOLOGY/
CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Many of the seats in these courses are reserved for students in a Criminal Justice program. Other students may take these courses if they meet the prerequisites and there is space. In all courses, students who do not satisfy the prerequisites may request instructor’s permission to register in the course.

CRIM 100:
Introduction to Criminology 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU, UVic, TWU

Examines the historical evolution of criminological thought and criminology as a science and a profession. The structure, content, theoretical paradigms and practical applications of the discipline are investigated as well as some of its terminology (e.g., crime, deviance, criminal, victim, rehabilitation, and treatment).

CRIM 101:
Introduction to Corrections 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU , TWU, UVic,

A historical review of correctional systems and the current theory and practice of Canadian corrections. Topics include sentencing, the incarceration process, probation, parole, institutional programs (e.g., work, education, security, social), rehabilitation, offender case management, community-based correctional programs, correctional workers, and community involvement in corrections.

CRIM 103:
Introduction to the Criminal Justice System 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU, UVic

This introductory course provides an analysis of the historical and contemporary operational practices of the criminal justice system. Beginning with the moment that a crime is reported and following the offender through the various decision stages from initial police involvement to the paroled release of a convicted offender, this course examines the use of discretion, the day-to-day practices of criminal justice personnel, and the patterns of decision making and problems that underlie the operation of the criminal justice system.

CRIM 104:
Sociological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU, UVic , TWU

Examines the sociological, sociocultural, and sociopsychological explanations of criminal and deviant behaviour, which include ecological theories of crime and delinquency, conflict theories, structural theories, control theories, and symbolic-interactionist theories.

CRIM 105:
Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU, UVic, TWU

Examines the causes of criminal and deviant behaviour in terms of psychological theories and suppositions, including psychophysiological, psychoanalytic, behavioural, cognitive, and biological theories. The focus of the course is on the similarities and differences across theories and research findings, and on the relationship between theories discussed and criminal justice policy.

CRIM 109:
The Administration of Justice in Canada 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU, UVic

An introduction to the administration of justice. This includes perceptions of justice and the relationship between ideas and practice. Aspects of judicial selection and administration, Canadian political culture and civil liberties will be examined for their effects on individuals, social groups, minorities, and criminal justice as a whole.

CRIM 129 (formerly CRIM 329):
Academic and Professional Development 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UVic

This course provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the Criminal Justice program, in field placements, and on the job. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing writing skills. Opportunities will be provided for learners to assess their interests, values, beliefs, and ethical stance on critical issues. This course is required for all first-year Criminal Justice program students.

CRIM 130:
Philosophy of Law 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU

This course will discuss natural law and positive law, law and morality, law and justice, law and civil disobedience, national and international law, as well as the social function of law and the validity and limitation of law. The course will also examine various treatments of responsibility, guilt, punishment, deterrence, and retribution. We will approach these issues from a historical perspective; this method will guide us to the significant questions and the various answers that have been offered.

Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CRIM 130 and
PHIL 230 (formerly 130).

CRIM 135:
Introduction to Canadian Law and Legal Institutions: A Criminal Justice Perspective 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, TWU, UVic

A general introduction to the fundamental and competing principles of jurisprudence and to the basic legal institutions of Canada. Prepares students for those law and law-related courses offered within the department. Considers the history of Canadian law, development of the Canadian Constitution, the system of Canadian courts and the roles and responsibilities of members of the legal profession. In addition, the course will consider the nature of legal reasoning, the doctrine of precedent, and principles of statutory interpretation, and will also include the fields of contract, torts, administrative law, and family law. Also examines the process of law reform in Canada.

CRIM 151:
Introduction to Law Enforcement 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU, UVic

The course surveys law enforcement agencies, including their role in society, their organizational structure and management, and community expectations of their task. Specific police functions (e.g., patrol, investigation, traffic control, work with juveniles, crisis intervention) and powers (e.g., arrest, search and seizure) are closely examined. Attention is also given to the training of police officers and to policing as an occupation. Behavioural aspects of policing and an assessment of police effectiveness are emphasized.

CRIM 201 (formerly CRIM 341):
Physical Fitness Training I 2 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: none

This course provides an individualized fitness program utilizing modern health-club facilities and sophisticated evaluation procedures. Students will be required to attend health-club facilities three times per week.

CRIM 202 (formerly CRIM 342):
Physical Fitness Training II 2 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: none

The course provides a continuation of CRIM 201. Each student’s program will be re-evaluated and intensified.

CRIM 203:
Physical Fitness with Self-Protection and Awareness 2 credits

Prerequisites: none

Corequisites: none

This course provides students with an opportunity to learn and practise physical contact tactics specifically related to law enforcement.

CRIM 210:
Introduction to Youth Court and Young Offenders 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU, TWU, UVic

This course provides an analysis of the Young Offenders Act, Youth Court and young people in conflict with the law, as separate entities in the criminal justice system. Examines the historical and social definitions of youthful crime as it pertains to the nature and extent of “juvenile delinquency”, along with the sources of data explaining and describing the criminal behaviour of young people. The theoretical interpretations of “delinquency” as a phenomenon shaped by culture and social setting will be studied and the control, treatment and prevention of delinquent behaviour will be examined in light of current trends.

CRIM 211:
Indigenous Peoples, Crime and Criminal Justice 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: UVic

An examination of some of the major historical and contemporary issues regarding indigenous peoples, crime, and the criminal justice system. Some of the issues to be explored include the impact of colonization, Aboriginal involvement with the police, courts, and corrections, government policies and programs aimed at reducing Aboriginal conflict with the law, and the increasing role of Aboriginal communities in implementing justice initiatives.

CRIM 212:
Selected Topics in Crime and Criminal Justice 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

This course will review theory, methods, and research results in a selected area of criminal justice. Students should check with the Criminology and Criminal Justice department to determine the content area for a particular semester.

CRIM 213:
Directed Studies 3 credits

Prerequisites: permission of instructor

Independent reading and research topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Students interested in more information should contact the Criminology and Criminal Justice department.

CRIM 220:
Research Methods in Criminology 3 credits

Prerequisites: CRIM 100 and one of: CRIM 104, CRIM 105, PSYC 101 or SOC 101

Transferability: SFU, OU, UVic , TWU

This course is designed as an introduction to criminological research and is intended to develop the students’ research and analytical skills. The course will focus on the theory of inquiry, the logic, reality and structure of criminological inquiry, and criminological data analysis and reporting.

CRIM 230:
Criminal Law 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: SFU, OU, TWU, and, with CRIM 103 or 109, to UVic for partial credit

Investigates the nature, purpose, scope, sources and basic principles of criminal law within its historical and contemporary contexts. The evolution of such legal concepts as guilt, criminal responsibility, and due process of law is also studied. Current policy and legislation, e.g., the legislative policy inherent in the Criminal Code, the specific offenses and categories in the Criminal Code, the Young Offenders Act (Canada), the Protection of Children Act (B.C.), and the control and treatment of drug addicts, dangerous sexual offenders, habitual criminals, and mentally ill offenders, are examined in detail.

CRIM 250 (formerly CRIM 150):
Customs and Immigration Law 3 credits

Prerequisites: none

Transferability: none

For students considering a career in customs or immigration, as well as for those with particular interest in this area, this course examines the Customs and Excise division of Revenue Canada, as well as the federal Immigration department, from an organizational and legal perspective. The course covers the role of Customs and Excise as a part of the Revenue Canada mandate, relevant legislation such as the Customs Act and the Narcotic Control Act, current issues surrounding Customs policies, as well as internal regulatory procedures (e.g., search and seizure, appeal procedures and citizen’s rights). Also included are the other issues which relate to the Customs and Immigration authority, such as primary duties and relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada.

CRIM 270:
Problem Management Skills and Strategies for Criminal Justice Personnel 3 credits

Prerequisites: SSSW 120

Transferability: UVic

This course educates students to assess and manage various problems encountered while dealing with interpersonal situations in various parts of the criminal justice system. Theories will be studied and skills will be developed that are appropriate for intervening with resistant and less mature people. Similarly, theories will be studied and skills will be developed for specifying problems, and facilitating decision making and action planning for those capable of responding to more complex intervention strategies. A focus on discerning the most appropriate intervention strategies for a wide range of situations will occur throughout the course.

CRIM 271:
Interviewing Techniques for Criminal Justice Personnel 3 credits

Prerequisites: SSSW 120

Transferability: UVic

In this course students further develop and apply the problem management theories and skills that were introduced in Criminology 270. In an interactive and scenario-based learning environment, students will be exposed to a wide range of difficult-to-manage people and situations and develop competence in applying appropriate intervention strategies.

CRIM 280 (formerly CRIM 330):
Field Work Practicum 6 credits

Prerequisites: CRIM 100, 103, 104 and 105, SSSW 120, and one of: (CMNS 125, CMNS 155 or ENGL 105 or higher); and instructor’s permission.

Transferability: none

Supervised experience in work situations in which you may later be employed. You will have an opportunity to practise skills gained in prerequisite courses and will receive feedback about your competencies. A field work practicum may be innovative and respond to community need. There will be a monthly feedback seminar with your instructor.

CRIM 281 (formerly CRIM 430):
Field Work Practicum 6 credits

Prerequisites: CRIM 100, 103, 104 and 105, SSSW 120, and one of: (CMNS 125, CMNS 155 or ENGL 105 or higher); and instructor’s permission.

Transferability: none

CRIM 310:
Advanced Theoretical Perspectives 3 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university transferable credits), and CRIM 100, 104 and 105.

This course explores the diverse nature of theory within the field of crime and deviance by focusing on modern and post-modern theories. The selected paradigms are studied with regard to their explanatory domain, role in examining social and criminological problems, and research implications.

CRIM 311:
Multiculturalism, Conflict, and Social Justice 3 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university transferable credits) and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 100 and 103.

This course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the conflict which various cultural and ethnic groups have experienced, historically and during contemporary times, with the criminal law and the criminal justice system in Canada. This course examines the multicultural fabric of Canadian society and its implications for social and criminal justice. This course examines some of the critical areas related to cultural and ethnic groups and the criminal justice system. Students will be exposed to a myriad of materials and ideas and be challenged to consider the complex issues which surround crime and criminal justice in a multicultural society.

CRIM 320:
Quantitative Research Techniques 5 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university transferable credits), a C or better in MATH 104 and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 220.

This course is designed to more fully introduce criminology and criminal justice students to applied social research. Emphasis is placed on developing practical experience in a variety of research methods and techniques. Students will become familiar with quantitative research methods. Experience will be gained in questionnaire design, data analyses and technical report writing. Some of the problems routinely confronting research practitioners are also examined. Students will also gain practical experience in using a statistical program on computers to analyze data.

CRIM 330:
Criminal Procedure and Evidence 3 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university transferable credits) and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 103 and 230.

Critical examination of selected topics in criminal procedure and evidence. Analysis and cross-national comparisons of how criminal cases are processed through the court system. Brief survey of the system of rules and standards by means of which the admissibility of evidence is determined. Close examination of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its impact on criminal procedure and evidence.

CRIM 335:
Human Rights and Civil Liberties 3 credits

Prerequisites: CRIM 100

Transferability: Open University

A study of the relationship between government and individuals. This course focuses on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its interpretation by our judiciary. It includes an examination of the issues of equality before the law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, hate literature, and obscenity, as well as consideration of the rights of incarcerated individuals and the rights of individuals designated as mentally disordered. It also includes an examination of “victimless crimes”, such as drug use, prostitution, and gambling, as areas of civil libertarian concern.

Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both CRIM 335 and POSC 335.

CRIM 410:
Selected Topics in Crime and Criminal Justice 3 credits

Prerequisites: will vary depending on topic: permission of Criminology and Criminal Justice department or the instructor

This course critically reviews theory, methods, and research results in a selected area of criminal justice. Students should check with the Criminology and Criminal Justice department or the timetable to determine content area and prerequisites for a particular semester.

Note: Criminology courses number 410 to 419 are not necessarily offered on an annual basis. Student should check the current timetable or contact the Criminology and Criminal Justice department for further information.

CRIM 411:
Directed Studies 3 credits

Prerequisites: instructor’s permission

CRIM 412:
Organized Crime 3 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university-transferable credits) and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 100 and 103.

This course will examine the issues surrounding organized crime in North American society, while advancing a critical analysis of this subject area. The analysis will primarily be grounded in theory as well as in an applied research approach which emphasizes a police and government functional and operational perspective. While concentrating on sociological and criminological theory, the approach to this topic is multi-disciplinary and will involve other fields, including economics, history, political science, criminal intelligence, and operations theory, among others.

CRIM 413:
History and Philosophy of Police Practices 3 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university-transferable credits) and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 100 and 151.

This course surveys contemporary police practices (such as organization, enforcement emphasis, recruiting, community relations, role in politics, response to crime, use of force) in the modern world, with a special emphasis on democratic states. Consequently, international police practices will be examined in the context of their historical and philosophical roots. Although there will be a special emphasis on policing in Canada, the general concept of policing in a democracy will be examined through a comparative study of policing in countries such as England, the United States, France, Israel, and others.

CRIM 414:
Intervention Techniques in Corrections 3 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university-transferable credits) and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 100 and 101.

This course will examine the methods and means that criminal justice system personnel and associated professionals use to change criminal behaviour. The primary focus of these intervention techniques is to reduce recidivism. The course will review techniques that span from supervision to psychotherapy both inside and outside of jail or prison. The course is to develop the ability to critically analyze the theoretical foundations and treatment effectiveness (e.g., quantitative outcome research) of approaches in this area.

CRIM 416:
Media, Crime, and Criminal Justice 3 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university-transferable credits) and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 100 and 103.

This course focuses on the relationship between society’s primary system of information dissemination, the media, and its primary system of social control and social value legitimation, the criminal justice system. Various aspects of this relationship are examined, with particular reference to the “social construction of reality”, the notion that the media are especially important in constructing our image of the social world, which we come to accept as “objective” social reality. Topics include the constructionist view of the role of media in society; contextual and content analysis of media content; gender, crime and the media; crime and justice in the news; the role of the media in creating and maintaining ideologies about crime; media influences on attitudes and beliefs about crime and the criminal justice system; media distortion and sensationalism; media as a cause of crime; and media as a cure for crime.

CRIM 417:
Leadership in Groups and Organizations 3 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university-transferable credits), BUS 203 or BUS 307 and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 100.

This course will prepare those currently in supervisory or management positions (or those who seek to be) to assess and develop their potential for leadership. Learners will understand the differences between leadership and management, study an overview of leadership theory, and learn a new model for transformative leadership interventions in groups and organizations. As potential agents of positive change, students will assess and develop key knowledge and skill areas which will enable them to facilitate the development of individuals, groups and organizations. Finally, learners will develop the ability to shift styles, skills and roles appropriately, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their interventions. The knowledge and skills in this course will be applicable to a wide range of settings in the criminal justice system.

CRIM 418:
Techniques of Crime Prevention 3 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university-transferable credits) and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 100 and 103.

Critical examination of the contemporary field of crime prevention. This course will examine the theoretical foundations of various approaches to crime prevention and the evaluative research available to assess the efficacy of these initiatives.

CRIM 419:
Victimology 3 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university-transferable credits) and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 100 and 103.

Analysis of the phenomenon of criminal victimization. Review historical development of victimology, its scope and subject matter. Characteristics of the victim population and the profile of the typical victim. An in-depth analysis of the extent and patterns of criminal victimization, victimizers’ attitudes to their victims, victim/target selection. Examination of the theoretical explanations of the differential risks of criminal victimization, focusing on multiple victimization, lifestyle/routine activity/opportunity models and the possibility of developing an integrated model of criminal victimization.

CRIM 420:
Research Project/Seminar 6 credits

Prerequisites: acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university-transferable credits) and CRIM 320.

This course is designed as an upper-level research seminar in criminology and criminal justice. To successfully meet the requirements of this seminar, students must first demonstrate an ability to review and critique examples of research within Criminology and Criminal Justice. This component of Criminology 420 requires students to assume an active and independent role in acquiring and demonstrating research expertise. Secondly, students must complete a research project. Relying on research skills acquired in Mathematics 104, Criminology 220 and Criminology 320, students are expected to demonstrate their ability to design and complete a research project in a timely fashion.

CRIM 450:
Social Policy Analysis 3 credits

Prerequisites: Acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university-transferable credits) and nine credits of lower level CRIM including CRIM 100 and 103.

This course explores various aspects of policy, planning, and analysis as they relate to social policy and criminal justice policy.

CRIM 460:
Comparative Criminal Justice Systems 3 credits

Prerequisites: Acceptance into a degree program (with a minimum of 45 university-transferable credits) and nine credits of lower-level CRIM including CRIM 100 and 103.

Critical examination of the theory and method of comparative criminal justice. Review of common law, civic law, and socialist law systems. Specific consideration of the development, structure and operation of the criminal justice systems in selected countries, which may include England, France, Germany, China, and Japan. Focus on the impact of historical, social, political, religious and cultural factors on the criminal justice process. Consideration of the structure and operation of various components of the criminal justice process in selected countries, including the police, criminal courts, and corrections.

CRIM 480:
Field Work Practicum 6 credits

Prerequisites: CRIM 280 or 281, CRIM 310, CRIM 311, CRIM 320, CRIM 330, CRIM 335, and instructor’s permission

Supervised work experience in a criminal justice agency. The goals and objectives of this course are similar to the field work practicum in CRIM 280/281; however, higher levels of performance are required.

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