CRIM 3311 - Advanced Theoretical Perspectives in Criminology

Course Description

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:

1. 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:

2. Hopkins Burke, R. An introduction to criminological theory. (4th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge, (2014).
   Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-203-49836-1

3. 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.

Recommended requisite(s)

CRIM 1011