Crime and Criminal Justice (SOC*1500)

Code and section: SOC*1500*02

Term: Winter 2025

Instructor: Christopher Tatham

Details

Course Topic
SOC 1500 provides an introduction to the sociological study of crime and criminal justice. Throughout the semester, students will discover how crime is defined, measured, explained, and addressed in Canadian society. Students will learn how crime is understood by major sociological and criminological theoretical perspectives. Together we will examine and critically assess a variety of types of crimes and criminal activities, as well as punishment and prevention approaches. Topics include the criminal justice system in Canada, core sociological explanations of crime, police, courts, punishment, incarceration, and youth and corrections. Throughout the course, we will consider how the criminal justice system intersects with (and impacts people along lines of) race, gender, sexuality, and Indigeneity.
 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• Identify, describe, and critically assess key approaches to understanding crime.
• Connect and apply course concepts and sociological theories to empirical research, case studies, and the real-world.
• Reflect on definitions of crime and the impact these definitions have for social policy, social issues, and individuals and communities that experience marginalization.
• Contribute to a thoughtful and informed dialogue regarding the Canadian criminal justice system and its relationship with social structure, social exclusion, and Canadian culture.
• Find and use academic and non-academic sources to develop and support written arguments.
• Engage in thoughtful and respectful online discussion.
• Cultivate skills for personal organization, personal responsibility, and time management.
 

Course Materials
Required Text: “Introduction to Criminal Justice” by Kelly Gorkoff. This interactive e-text is available via Pearson’s Revel Platform or from the UoG Bookstore. $84.99
All other assigned readings will be available on CourseLink or on reserve at the library.

Please note that this web outline is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.
A complete course syllabus will be available on CourseLink on the first day of classes.

Syllabus

Attachment	Size
SOC1500 W25 - Web Outline - Tatham.pdf	144.81 KB