CRIM 3311: Advanced Theoretical Perspectives in Criminology
Students explore the diverse nature of theory within the field of crime and deviance by focusing on modern, post-modern, and critical theories. The selected paradigms are studied with regard to their explanatory domain, role in examining social and criminological problems and research implications.
Learning outcomes
- List and explain the five analytical dimensions that constitute the core of any criminological theory.
- Apply and discuss the five analytical dimensions to specific criminological explanations of crime.
- Identify and discuss recent refinements and theoretical developments in a range of areas including cultural studies, feminism, postmodernism, integrative theory, and restorative justice.
- Discuss and assess criminological explanations of crime ranging from pre-scientific approaches, classical and postclassical conceptions of crime and criminality, individual and sociological positivist theories, social process theories, critical theories, and more recent integrated theories.
Course topics
- Module 1: What is Crime and Criminology?
- Module 2: Individually Based Theories of Crime-The Rational Actor
- Module 3: Individually Based Theories of Crime-Biological, Psychological and Psychiatric Theories
- Module 4: Sociological Positivism
- Module 5: Labelling Theory
- Module 6: Conflict and Radical Theories
- Module 7: Feminist Theories
- Module 8: Critical Criminology
- Module 9: Indigenous Theories
- Module 10: Integrated Theories
- Module 11: Critical Perspectives and Policies on Current Issues
Required text and materials
The following material will be available within your course:
- Course Readings from Kramar, K. (2011). Criminology: Critical Canadian perspectives.
Toronto, ON: Pearson Canada
Type: Custom Reprint. ISBN: 978-0-13-175529-1
Students will access the following e-texts through the TRU Library:
- Hopkins Burke, R. An introduction to criminological theory. (4th ed.). New York, NY:
Routledge, (2014).
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-203-49836-1
- DeKeseredy, W. S. Contemporary critical criminology. New York, NY: Routledge,
(2010).
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-20-386923-9
Assessments
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory project.
| Online Postings (Modules 1 and 3; 3% each) | 6% |
| Online Postings (Modules 5, 8 and 10; 3 % each) | 9% |
| Critical Analysis of Media | 15% |
| Analytic Paper: A Community Example of Sociological Positivist Theory | 10% |
| Analytic Paper: Analyzing Research from a Feminist Perspective | 10% |
| Analytic Paper: Exploring Indigenous Scholarship | 10% |
| Analytic Paper: Theory in Song | 10% |
| Final Research Project Proposal | 5% |
| Final Project: Research Project (mandatory) | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
