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Issues in Crime (Diploma)

COURSE Code: SOCI 036

Course Description

Crime is an ever-present facet of life in modern society. Crimes and criminals are presented to us on a daily basis through the media, television, films, videos and true crime books. Some of us will be victims of property or personal crimes in our lifetimes. However, the reality of crime is rarely glimpsed by Canadian citizens. Many people fear crime in their own neighbourhoods but have no idea what the actual rate of various crimes is. The nature of crime is constantly changing reflecting social and cultural transformations occurring in our society. Why are certain behaviours criminal while others are not subject to legal intervention? What defences are permitted to a charge of criminal conduct? Who commits crime and why? How do we explain criminal behaviours? What types of crime are committed in Canada and with what frequency? These are all questions that stimulate our curiosity and are important to our society and ourselves. In this course we will address these questions and many others while examining various types of crime, criminals and theories used to explain their behaviour. The key research and trends in Canadian crime will be examined with a view to students developing a critical understanding of crime in Canadian society.

Note: We also offer Issues in Crime – Hybrid
The hybrid course model consists of two periods of in-classroom instruction during the regular scheduled class time and one period of online instruction outside of the scheduled class time. Students are required to attend the lectures and complete online tasks through Blackboard. Students who choose this option should have strong reading, writing, and computer skills, excellent study habits, and good self-discipline.