Criminology

Criminology is the study of behaviour that is forbidden by criminal law. It focuses on crime, deviance and the correctional system. 

Students the Criminology Program learn about the Canadian legal system, law, justice and correctional institutions, at both the provincial and federal levels. Criminology is of interest to anyone looking to work in law enforcement, justice, social work and rehabilitation.

Criminology electives

Below is a list of all Criminology electives that anyone can register for, because they have 0 or just 1 prerequisite. For a complete list of our Criminology courses, see the university calendar. 

Introduction to Criminology
(CRIM 1001)

Introduction to Criminology introduces students to criminological and sociological models and research methods for understanding the phenomenon of “crime”. As a background for developing theory, this course familiarizes students with the challenges associated with defining and researching “crime”. Along with a critical examination of the different theories and methods in criminology, students consider the implications for policy.
Note: Same as the former Police Studies 2300, Sociology 1001, former Sociology 2300

Co-Requisite: Sociology 1000

Introduction to Corrections
(CRIM 2200) 

Introduction to Corrections introduces students to the Correctional Systems in Canada and their role in Canadian Criminal Justice. Topics covered in this course include: the evolution of punishment and corrections in Canada, the purpose of prison, the classification of federal prisoners, the prisoner subculture or ‘inmate’ code, violence inside prisons, and community corrections after full custody incarceration.

Note: Same as the former Police Studies 2200

Prerequisite: CRIM 1001, the former Police Studies 2300, the former Sociology 2300

Homelessness and Social Control
(CRIM 2208)

Examines and questions the dominant political-economic logics and social control strategies used to manage homelessness. It explores common strategies that attempt to supervise, regulate, and integrate impoverished populations into civil society and the market. This course also proposes promising future directions for homeless governance in Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Note: same as Sociology 2208

An Introduction to Policing
(CRIM 2400)  

An Introduction to Policing will introduce students to different theories and models of policing as a profession and area of research. It will examine the organization of police services, their mandate and operation and provide an overview of the history and development of policing in Canada. Examples from Newfoundland and Labrador will be used where appropriate, and the various roles and responsibilities of the police in society will be discussed. Other topics of study include police decision making, exercise of powers, use of discretion, recruitment and training, the professional role, organizational and operational stress and policing in a diverse society.

Note: Same as the former Police Studies 1000, the former Police Studies 2000

Crime Victims and the Justice System
(CRIM 3000) 

Will provide an opportunity to explore contemporary victim issues, in particular, as they relate to enhancing police and criminal justice responses and sensitivity to the needs of victims. The course will explore different types of victimization, encourage critical analysis and understanding of the impact of the CJS on victims and the role of the victim in bringing about progressive and positive changes in the CJS. It will consider recent legislative developments, programs, services and emerging issues and discuss how victim engagement can promote public confidence in the administration of justice.

Prerequisite: CRIM 1001 or the former Police Studies 2300 or the former Sociology 2300, CRIM 2400 or the former Police Studies 1000 or the former Police Studies 2000

Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
(CRIM 3100)

Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice examines the gendered aspects of criminal offending, victimization, criminal justice responses (police, courts, corrections), and workers in the criminal justice system.

Note: Same as the former Police Studies 3100

Prerequisite: CRIM 1001 or the former Police Studies 2300 or the former Police Studies 2300 or the former Sociology 2300, CRIM 2400 or the former Police Studies 1000 or the former Police Studies 2000 

Deviance
(CRIM 3290)

Deviance examines major sociological theories and methodological techniques central to the study of deviance and crime. The distribution, attributes and explanations of a variety of forms of deviance are examined, which may include violence, sexual deviance, delinquency, addiction, mental disorder, theft, organized crime, political deviance and corporate deviance.

Note: Same as Sociology 3290

Prerequisite: CRIM 1001 or Sociology 1001 or the former Police Studies 2300 or the former Sociology 2300, Sociology 1000 or the former Sociology 2000

Investigative Interviewing
(CRIM 3500)

Investigative Interviewing will introduce students to investigative interviewing. It covers a range of topics that will help develop and/or improve the interviewing skills of those working in various disciplines where professional interviewing skills are essential.

Note: Same as the former Police Studies 3500

Prerequisite: CRIM 2400 (or the former Police Studies 1000 or the former Police Studies 2000)