Current
Academic Calendar
2024/25
Academic Calendar 2024/25
Criminology/Criminal Justice
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English language proficiency requirements Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the with lower levels of language proficiency. |
Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.
3 credits
Introduction to Criminology
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the historical evolution of criminological thought, and criminology and criminal justice as a science and profession. Investigates the structure, content, theoretical paradigms, and practical applications of criminology and how it applies to the Canadian criminal justice system.
3 credits
Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Analyzes historical and contemporary operational practices of the criminal justice system (CJS). Students are taken through the CJS process, beginning with the moment a crime is reported through the various decision stages to the paroled release of a convicted offender.
3 credits
Sociological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the sociological, sociocultural, and sociopsychological explanations of criminal and deviant behavior, which include ecological theories of crime and delinquency, conflict theories, control theories, and symbolic interactionist theories.
3 credits
Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the causes of criminal and deviant behaviour through psychological theories, including psychophysiological, psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, and biological theories.
3 credits
Introduction to Canadian Law and Legal Institutions
Prerequisite(s): Note: As of September 2025, prerequisites will change to: 9 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the Canadian legal system in preparation for law-related courses. Topics include the origins and role of Canadian, Aboriginal, and Indigenous law, systems of courts, the legal profession, legal reasoning and statutory interpretation, and private and public substantive law.
3 credits
Youth Crime and the Youth Justice System in Canada
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
This course provides students with an analysis of the nature, prevalence, characteristics, and consequences of youth crime in Canada. It provides an overview of the historical development of Canada鈥檚 juvenile justice and child protection systems, and reviews current political, social, legal, and criminological issues associated with youth crime in Canada.
3 credits
Indigenous Peoples, Crime and Criminal Justice
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines historical and contemporary issues regarding Indigenous peoples, crime, and the criminal justice system, including the impact of colonization, government policies and programs, and the increasing role of Indigenous communities in implementing justice initiatives.
3 credits
Women, Crime and Criminal Justice
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the nature of crimes committed by females and common sociological, sociocultural, and sociopsychological explanations. Explores women鈥檚 experiences as survivors and victims of criminal behaviour, and as professionals working within the criminal justice system, alongside societal responses to female victims, offenders, and professionals.
3 credits
Directed Studies
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Director and the Dean of Arts.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Independent reading and research topics will be selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Students interested in more information should contact the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
3 credits
Selected Topics in Crime and Criminal Justice
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Reviews 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.
3 credits
Theory and Practice of Restorative Justice
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Discusses theoretical, historical, and philosophical perspectives on restorative justice, and the foundational principles and values of restorative justice as a response to crime and violence distinct from traditional methods within the criminal justice system. Processes and program models will be examined.
3 credits
Psychopathy and the Criminal Justice System
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course will examine the definition, root causes, and behaviour of psychopaths, and the response of the criminal justice system to this personality disorder.
3 credits
Research Methods in Criminology
Prerequisite(s): CRIM 100 and one of the following: CRIM 104, CRIM 105, PSYC 101, PSYC 102, or
SOC 101.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An introduction to criminological research. Students develop research and analytical skills by focusing on theories of inquiry, conceptualizing core research questions, identifying ethical considerations, and designing methods for hypothesis testing, data collection, and analysis using qualitative and quantitative methods.
3 credits
Criminal Law
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course 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.
3 credits
Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Prerequisite(s): CRIM 103.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
An introduction to the study of several criminal justice systems. Focus will be placed on the role of political institutions, criminal law, history, and culture on the development of criminal justice systems. Includes an exploration of how different criminal justice systems respond to common problems, issues, and events.
3 credits
Customs and Immigration Law
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Explores the Canada Border Services Agency through an examination of relevant legislation such as the Customs Act, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code, and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Issues discussed include border security, regulatory procedures, and human rights.
3 credits
Law Enforcement in Canada
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Surveys law enforcement agencies, discussing the development of policing in Canada, their role in society, organizational structure and management, and community expectations of their task. Specific police functions and powers are examined. Key issues include use of force, corruption, accountability, ethics, and the political dimension of police work.
3 credits
Corrections in Canada
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the history of correctional systems in Canada, as well as the current theory and practices of corrections. Topics include sentencing, the incarceration process, probation, parole, institutional programs, rehabilitation, offender case management, community-based correctional programs, correctional workers, and community involvement in corrections.
3 credits
Problem Management Skills for Criminal Justice Interventions
Prerequisite(s): CRIM 100, CRIM 103, and one of CMNS 125 or ENGL 105.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Provides students with foundational concepts and skills for responding to common criminal justice situations. Students learn and apply communication, teamwork, and leadership concepts and strategies; apply problem-solving, conflict, and ethical decision-making models; and examine their own strengths and weaknesses using personality assessment instruments.
6 credits
Practicum I
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Criminal Justice diploma or Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice), CRIM 100, CRIM 103, CRIM 104, CRIM105, C+ or better in CRIM 265, (CMNS 125 or ENGL 105), minimum CGPA of 2.67, and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Provides students with a supervised work experience in a criminal justice or community agency.
Note: Enrolment in this course is by prior arrangement with the Career Development Coordinator.
3 credits
Advanced Theoretical Perspectives
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including CRIM 100, CRIM 104, and CRIM 105.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Explores the diverse nature of knowledge within the field of crime and deviance by focusing on contemporary criminological theories and their related research. Practical and political implications of the theories are also discussed.
3 credits
Diversity, Crime, and Criminal Justice in Canada
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including CRIM 100, CRIM 103, and 3 additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the social construction of 鈥渄ifference鈥� and inequalities faced by selected identity groups in their interactions with Canadian laws and the criminal justice system. Students will explore innovative options for social change and social justice.
3 credits
Quantitative Research Techniques
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice) and 45 university-level credits including CRIM 220, 6 additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM, and one of (STAT 104, STAT 106, or PSYC 110 with a C or better).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students will become familiar with quantitative data analyses. The concepts underlying statistical tests will be discussed. Students will also gain practical experience with statistics using a statistical program on computers to analyze and interpret data.
3 credits
Qualitative Research Methods
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice) and 45 university-level credits including CRIM 220 and 6 additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the foundations of research and the qualitative methods and techniques most commonly used in criminology. Will involve critical analysis of methods, consideration of ethics, and the design and completion of a qualitative research project.
3 credits
Criminal Procedure and Evidence
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including CRIM 103, CRIM 230, and 3 additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Examines the progression of criminal cases through the court system. Topics include jurisdiction, search and seizure, arrest, judicial interim release, the determination of admissibility of evidence, and the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms on criminal procedure and evidence.
3 credits
Justice and Human Rights
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including CRIM 103 and CRIM 135.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Examines the historical, legal, and political nature of human rights in Canada and internationally, emphasizing key tensions in the theory and practice of justice and human rights. Considers the role of justice systems in protecting and denying civil, political, and equality rights and rights of redress, especially for vulnerable groups.
3 credits
Professional Ethics in Criminal Justice
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including CRIM 100, CRIM 103, and 3 additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Studies professional ethics in the criminal justice system, with a special focus on law enforcement. Four main subject areas include ethics education, dominant theoretical approaches, development of professional ethics, and ethical leadership.
3 credits
Terrorism
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including 9 credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Examines the nature, extent, and causes of terrorism as an officially designated crime. Emphasis is placed on extremism as a foundation for terrorism, specific types of terrorism, and how governments and law enforcement agencies seek to counter terrorism.
3 credits
Mental Disorder and Crime
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including 9 credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Students will review the history and current legislation that govern mental disorder and crime. The relationship between crime and specific disorders, such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and schizophrenia, will be examined. The response to these disorders by criminal justice agencies will be evaluated.
3 credits
Advanced Studies in Youth Crime and Justice
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, including CRIM 210 and six additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Provides students with a developmental perspective on serious and violent youth offending, examines specific forms of serious and violent crime by youth, and analyzes the role of the criminal justice system and community agencies in mitigating risk.
3 credits
Selected Topics in Crime and Criminal Justice
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including CRIM 100, CRIM 103, and 3 additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Critically reviews selected criminal justice phenomena through an analysis of theory, methods, and research.
Note: Students should check with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice or the timetable to determine content area and pre-requisites for a particular semester.
3 credits
Directed Studies
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the director and the dean.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Independent reading and research topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor.
Note: Students interested in more information should contact the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
3 credits
Organized Crime
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including CRIM 100, CRIM 103, and 3 additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Examines the issue of organized crime in Canada and its transnational dimension. Grounded in empirical research on various forms of organized crime and on the effectiveness of the criminal justice system response to this particular threat.
3 credits
Intervention Techniques in Corrections
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including CRIM 252 and six additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Examines the techniques that corrections personnel and associated professionals use to change criminal behaviour and reduce recidivism. Intervention techniques include counselling, therapy, and behaviour modification. Evidence of effectiveness of various intervention techniques for different types of offenders will be discussed.
3 credits
Media, Crime, and Criminal Justice
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including CRIM 100, CRIM 103, and 3 additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Focuses on the relationship between media and the criminal justice system. The 鈥渟ocial construction of reality鈥�, role of the media in creating and maintaining ideologies about crime, media distortion and sensationalism, and media as a cause and cure for crime are discussed.
3 credits
Techniques of Crime Prevention
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including CRIM 100, CRIM 103, and 3 additional credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Critically examinesthe contemporary field of crime prevention. Studentswill examine the theoretical foundations of various approaches to crime prevention and the evaluative research available to assess the efficacy of these initiatives.
3 credits
Victimology
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including 9 credits of 100- or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
An introduction to victimology鈥檚 key concepts and to the study of various forms of victimization, the risk of victimization, the experience of victims of crime, the rights of victims, and the impact of various forms of victimization and associated trauma.
3 credits
Social Policy Analysis
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice) and 90 university-level credits including CRIM 100, CRIM 103, and 3 additional credits of 100-or 200-level CRIM.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Discusses how social and criminal justice problems are recognized, defined, and solved with policy. Focuses on the construction, implementation, and evaluation of policy, and examines various influencing forces over policymaking.
3 credits
Professional Practice
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice) degree, CRIM 310, CRIM 311, CRIM 320, CRIM 321, minimum CGPA of 2.67, and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Prepares students for criminal justice field placement learning through the application and analysis of foundational concepts, skills, and theories from previous coursework, drawing links between theory and practice.
Note: See additional practicum regulations in the academic calendar.
6 credits
Practicum II
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice) degree, B- or better in CRIM 479, minimum CPGA of 2.67, and department permission.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Provides students with a supervised work experience in a criminal justice or community agency.
Note: Enrolment in this course is by prior arrangement with the Career Development Coordinator. See additional practicum regulations in the academic calendar.
4 credits
Honours Thesis Development
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Criminal Justice Honours program and permission of a supervising instructor.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course provides students enrolled in the Criminal Justice Honours program an opportunity to develop a research proposal consisting of i) a comprehensive critical review of the literature related to their Honours thesis project; ii) a data collection instrument; and iii) request for ethical review and minimal risk checklist. The course is taken under the direction of a single faculty member. The student will meet with their supervisor on a regular basis to develop their research proposal.
6 credits
Honours Project
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Criminal Justice Honours program, permission of a supervising instructor, and CRIM 490.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course provides students enrolled in the Criminal Justice Honours program with an opportunity to collect and analyze the data for their honours thesis proposal developed in CRIM 490 and to disseminate their research findings in a research paper and public presentation.
3 credits
Contemporary Issues in Canadian Criminal Justice
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).鈥傗�傗��
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
A foundations course which will critically examine the goals, structure, and practices of the criminal justice system in terms of its capacity to respond to the problems of crime and criminals, and the needs of victims and the community.
3 credits
The Role of Social Policy in the Criminal Justice System
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Major issues in the field of social policy and criminal justice policy are analyzed. Students develop an understanding of the various historical and contemporary frameworks that contribute to policy development and implementation within social, political, historical, and economic contexts, such as equity, diversity, and inclusion.
3 credits
Change Management in the Criminal Justice System
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Covers principles and theories of change within public safety and criminal justice. Students learn how to anticipate, plan, facilitate, implement, and evaluate change.
4 credits
Quantitative Research Methods
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Provides students with an understanding of quantitative research methods and data analysis. Students critically evaluate published quantitative
research and develop skills to design a project using quantitative methods.
4 credits
Qualitative Research Methods
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the foundations of research and the qualitative methods and techniques used in criminology. Will involve critical analysis of methods, consideration of ethics, and the design of a qualitative research project.
3 credits
Ethical and Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Emphasizes ethical and legal issues facing practitioners and institutions within the Canadian criminal justice system.
3 credits
Human Resource Administration in Criminal Justice
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Focuses on issues in personnel management relating to job analysis, performance appraisal, productivity assessment, compensation, recruitment, selection, promotion, career development, disciplinary systems and civil liability, collective bargaining agreements, and other labor management matters.
3 credits
Selected Topics in Criminal Justice
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None
Pre- or corequisite(s): None
Critically reviews topics in advanced theory, methods, and research in criminal justice. Topics will vary with instructor.
3 credits
Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Discusses historical practices and current trends in the criminal justice and forensic mental health systems鈥� responses to individuals with mental health and addictions issues in conflict with the law. Critically analyzes the challenges with current response models and reviews innovative alternative strategies. Reviews mental health issues amongst criminal justice professionals and strategies for self鈥恈are.
Note: Students with credit for CRIM 755F cannot take this course for further credit.
3 credits
Spatial and Network Perspectives on Crime
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines theories and research associated with spatial and network approaches to the study of crime. Explores the relevance of the network and
spatial perspectives in the development of innovative criminal justice policies, strategies, and tools.
3 credits
Crime and Intelligence Analysis for Crime Reduction
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Provides theoretical knowledge of the precursors to and outcomes of crime in society and a foundation for the application of crime reduction concepts and skills similar to those used by crime and intelligence analysts to derive practical responses to crime.
3 credits
Criminal Justice Reform: Theory and Practice
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Reviews key concepts and approaches to designing coherent action in response to complex criminal justice issues. Challenges are considered primarily from the perspective of criminal justice leaders and managers, working at the interface of politics, policy making, and operational delivery.
3 credits
Evidence-Based Crime Reduction and Prevention
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Reviews and analyzes key concepts and evidence鈥恇ased approaches to crime reduction and crime prevention programs in the Canadian criminal justice system.
3 credits
Methods of Research and Evaluation
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Provides students with an understanding of quantitative and qualitative research, and the field of program evaluation. The principles of research methodology and program evaluation are examined, such as data collection, research designs, logic models, and process monitoring. Students develop the skills to critically evaluate published research and design evaluation studies.
7 credits
MA Major Paper
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice) and 23 graduate-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students develop an original piece of research in which they conduct a comprehensive literature review, critique past research, collect and analyze data, and make concluding recommendations. Students work with a senior supervisor and second supervisor, and orally defend their major paper to their supervisory committee and an external examiner.
7 credits
MA Thesis
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Arts (Criminal Justice) and 23 graduate-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students develop an original piece of research in which they conduct a comprehensive literature review, critique past research, collect and analyze data, and make concluding recommendations. Students work with a senior supervisor and second supervisor, and orally defend their thesis to their supervisory committee and an external examiner.
Last updated: November 1, 2024