Advanced Public Speaking

This highly experiential course builds on skills and concepts acquired in Communications 1125: Public Speaking to give advanced study and practice in preparing and delivering extemporaneous and scripted speeches. One of the primary focuses of this course is to connect public speaking to the workplace and to venues outside of the classroom for effective presentations. Students study advanced theoretical principles of public speaking and gain experience in preparing, delivering, and evaluating public discourse. Students also learn strategies for preparing and managing the question and answer period.

Global Media and Communication

This course examines global transformations in media and communications. Students will use analytical tools to theorize globalization and its processes in the context of historical and contemporary events. Focus will be on shifting trends in the global media landscape in the news, film, and television industries.

New Media and Society

This course offers an introduction to the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of new media. Tracing the evolution of new media from tools of mass communication to key players in the new information society, focus is given to key communication concepts that students can use to critically evaluate new media's ability to create political, economic, and social change. The ideas of "new media" will first be situated historically and set up as manifestations of different kinds of power. The course will then examine contemporary debates around new media practices and platforms. Students will be encouraged to examine their own new media practices alongside new and emergent trends.

Managing Interpersonal Conflict

This interactive course presents foundational knowledge and skills needed to understand and manage interpersonal conflict. Through individual and group self-reflection, students will consider selected theory, fundamental skills, and basic attributes required to effectively analyze and engage with interpersonal conflict in various settings.

Intercultural Conflict in Interpersonal Relationships

This face-to-face interactive course presents knowledge and skills for understanding and managing intercultural conflict in interpersonal relationships. Through focused interaction and reflection, students will consider selected skills, attributes and theories required to effectively analyze and engage intercultural conflict in interpersonal relationships in a variety of settings. Interpersonal conflict knowledge and skills, intercultural factors influencing conflict, and conflict resolution strategies for intercultural situations will be addressed. This course has a strong applied focus.

Communication Professions

This course provides an introduction to the roles, practices, and contexts of professional communicators, with an emphasis on professional writing and professional readiness.

Language, Institutions, and Power

This course gives students practice in using analytical approaches to the study of language and power to examine how language constructs ideology, institutions, and identity in the contexts of enduring struggles over human rights. Students leave the course with analytical tools that would be relevant in a wide range of disciplines as vehicles of inquiry and research, and with knowledge that will contribute to their civic and social awareness.

Language Studies for Professional Communication

This course introduces theories of language relevant to the professional communicator’s craft. Students will focus on ways to identify different styles of writing, to understand the relationship between style and content, and to predict readers’ responses to texts. They will learn to analyze communication tasks from these perspectives and to assess written texts for their readability and their appropriateness in different contexts.

Research Report and Proposal Writing

This course provides students with experience in producing client-based analytical research reports and proposals. Students will be introduced to the wide variety of primary and secondary research resources available to them. They will develop skills in gathering and managing information to prepare for researched writing tasks. They will work through the typical process for producing a research report and proposal: developing the scope of work; completing field-based and theoretical research tasks; collating data; organizing material; and ultimately producing a reader-based, purposeful, and useful document.

Professional Editing

This course develops professional competency in proofreading, copy editing, and structural and stylistic editing, including the process by which editors work with content creators (writers, groups, and organizations). Students are expected to have a good understanding of English grammar and usage.

Interpersonal Conflict: Advanced Practices

This course supports students' development in managing interpersonal conflict across a variety of one-to-one and multi-party situations. It examines how individuals communicate, negotiate, intervene, mediate, and lead in conflict. Students work to apply theory, case study, and method in support of their individual goals and values.

Document Design

This course introduces the basic principles of two-dimensional design, including balance and visual dynamics, layout, publication design, and typography. Students are expected to have prior experience with an industry-standard page-layout software program and some familiarity with graphics software. They will build on their experience to produce small documents and then to create a series of projects suitable for portfolio inclusion. They will gain some understanding of print production technology and procedures, including how to communicate with other print professionals, estimate costs, and deal with digital output.

Visual Communication

This course introduces students to the theories and techniques of visual communication. The course examines the physical properties of perception and its application in the broader context of communication studies. It explores the scope and possibilities of imagery in modern technology and culture. It also includes an introduction to methodologies for studying visual conventions and analyzing visual media. Students will apply these methodologies to both formal and vernacular examples ranging from presentation graphics to information design to graffiti.

Technical Communication

This course develops an understanding of how technical communication projects (such as software manuals and policy and procedures manuals) are planned, written, and produced for online, print, and video delivery. Beginning with an analysis of objectives and audience, students will prepare a number of effective and professionally produced technical communication projects using industry-standard software programs. The focus of the course is on content development with an opportunity to produce a project for industry clients. Students will also be introduced to key trends and issues (ethical, cultural, technological, and economic) for technical communicators.

Writing and Developing Websites

This course focuses on content development for the web. Students will gain an understanding of how websites are planned, written, and produced. Beginning with an analysis of objectives and audience, students will work in teams to produce a client-based website using industry-standard software programs. Students will also be introduced to key trends, issues, and developments (ethical, cultural, technological, and economic) in the field.

Social Media & Reputation Management

This course prepares students to manage the social media presence and reputation of an organization. Students will learn about media analysis, evaluation, and selection, as well as how to construct guidelines for organizational social media use and audience engagement. This involves completing a communications audit of an organization’s social media presence, developing audience archetypes, constructing a social media style guide, and planning to deploy the guidelines and strategies developed. Students will learn how to write in multiple different online persona voices and how to protect and defend an organization’s reputation online.

Writing for Online and Print Magazines

This course develops the professional skills needed to write for online and print magazines as well as blogs. Students will learn to analyze publications, develop story ideas, submit queries, and research and write opinion columns and profiles. Emphasis will be given to the strategies and practicalities of freelance writing as a career.

Strategic Public Relations

This course introduces the fundamentals of strategic communications and public relations practice for the professional communicator. Students will learn communications planning, campaign analysis, public relations writing, and effective communication strategies for crisis communications. Students will also learn about the functions of public relations including media, employee, community, consumer, and government relations.

Special Topics in Professional Communication

This course examines a special topic in professional communication chosen to highlight a theoretical, historical, technological, thematic, or practical focus. Readings will include theory, criticism, and applied research, and will introduce students to a range of perspectives on the topic.

Professional Experience

This course helps prepare students for a professional communication career by providing the supervised and evaluated experience required for the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication.

Students may work in a communication role for an employer or complete a communication project for a client.

Directed Studies in Professional Communication

This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue a specific applied research interest. The course will require (a) a review and analysis of relevant published theoretical or applied research readings and articles, and (b) original related research or a project in the field of professional communication.

Directed studies are supervised and evaluated by an assigned faculty member.

Students must apply to the program coordinator for approval of their proposed directed studies.

Communication Practice & Portfolio

In this capstone course, students participate in a supervised professional experience and develop their final graduation portfolio (online and print). Students may work in a communication role for an employer or complete a communication project for a client. They produce a plan for generating contract work or securing a position as a professional communicator. They also complete a final project (group or individual) that demonstrates their skill as a professional communicator.

Introduction to Computing Science and Programming

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of computing science and computer programming. Students learn the processes of program design to solve real-world problems and the fundamental building blocks of a computer program in a high-level language (such as Python). This course is intended for students with little or no prior programming experience. Topics include programming constructs, data representation, debugging, logic, basic algorithms, basic data structures and modular programming.

Computer Programming I

This course provides an introduction to computing science and programming, and is intended for students with little or no programming background. Students will learn how to analyze problems and design algorithms as well as implement their solutions using a high-level programming language such as C++. Topics include structured programming fundamentals, control structures, procedural programming, recursion, arrays, basic sorting and searching algorithms, strings, pointers, dynamic memory allocation, files, and exceptions.

Computer Programming II

This is a second course in computing science and programming, presented using an object-oriented perspective and intensive hands-on experience. Students will learn how to apply fundamental object-oriented concepts using a high-level programming language (such as C++) to efficiently program applications that have an intermediate level of difficulty. Topics include classes, encapsulation, data hiding, move semantics, inheritance, aggregation, polymorphism, virtual functions, object-oriented exception handling, templates, and event-driven programming.

Computer Game Development I

This course introduces students to computer programming methods for game development. Students will use a hands-on approach to learn practical programming concepts for interactive game design using an object-oriented programming language (such as C++), graphics libraries, and game engines. Topics include fundamental game concepts, an introduction to object-oriented programming for game development, basic 2D game graphics, and an introduction to modern game engines.

Computer Game Development II

This course introduces students to the design and development of interactive computer games using modern game engines (such as Unreal Engine). Students will gain experience in game development with an emphasis on visual scripting. Topics include the game development environment, creating custom classes, adding code to visual scripting projects, asset creation, multiplayer games, game user interface design, optimization, testing, and packaging.

Designing with Raspberry Pi

This course provides the student with the necessary knowledge of the Raspberry Pi to design and develop practical applications. Initial emphasis will be placed on the embedded Linux OS, configuring, setting up and programming the Pi. In the latter part of the course, students will be able to apply that knowledge to case studies and projects.

Introduction to Software Engineering

This course provides an overview of standard paradigms and engineering practices as applied to software development. Topics include major phases incorporated in Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), software project management issues, and software development core activities from planning to implementation and deployment. Students will participate in a team project that employs an iterative development process and utilizes modern tools that are vital to the success of software development projects to construct a software solution to a real-world case study.

Data Structures and Algorithms

This course introduces students to a variety of fundamental data structures and their related algorithms. Topics include: abstract data types, data structures implementation and analytical evaluation methods, problem solving using divide and conquer, sorting and searching algorithms, complexity analysis of algorithms, iterators, hashing, and C++ Standard Template Library (STL). Students will apply object-oriented programming techniques to implement important linear and non-linear data structures such as stacks, queues, priority queues, lists, trees (including binary search trees and binary heaps), sets, and graphs.

Computer Graphics

This course is an introduction to modern computer graphics systems. Fundamental concepts of computer graphics systems are covered, including mathematical foundations, architecture of high-resolution graphics systems, and the algorithms used in computer graphics programming. Topics include graphics systems and models, graphics hardware, implementation of computer graphics using the Open Graphics Library (OpenGL), geometrical transformations, viewing and projections, lighting and shading, clipping and rasterization, rendering, and interaction techniques.

User Interface Design

This is a project-based course providing a comprehensive introduction to user interface (UI) design. Topics include goals and history of UI design, human-computer interactions and user experience, social impact of UI, and the UI design process. Students will incorporate major aspects of user interface design, including user research, user interface patterns, prototyping, and evaluation, into a group project that provides them with hands-on experience of UI design disciplines.

Applied Project in Computing Science

This course is project based, giving students supervised practical experience in a field of study within Computing Science. Students will engage in various stages of project development from scope definition and design to implementation and deployment. Through completion of a semester-long project, students will acquire experience in activities related to applied projects, such as systems analysis and design, technical documentation, effective team collaboration, project management, testing, and quality control.

Introduction to Computer Architecture

This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of computer system architecture and low-level programming. Topics include data representations, building blocks of computers, central processing unit organization, bus structures, memory management, computer interfacing, assembly programming, and system software. Students will apply principles and concepts learned in this course to improve program efficiency and reliability. Programs will be written in C and x86-64 assembly languages.

Game Asset Design

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of designing game assets used in virtual environments. Students learn how to create assets in computer-aided design software for modeling, texturing, and animating. Students use a hands-on approach to build custom game assets and environments used in a variety of interactive digital experiences including games. Topics include modelling techniques for object design, meshing, and optimization, lighting, texturing, basics of animating, and the use of physical materials.

Computer Graphics

This course is an introduction to modern computer graphics systems. Fundamental concepts of computer graphics systems are covered, including mathematical foundations, high-resolution graphics system architecture, and core graphics programming algorithms. Topics include graphics systems and models, graphics hardware, implementation of computer graphics using the Open Graphics Library (OpenGL), geometrical transformations, viewing and projections, lighting and shading, clipping and rasterization, rendering, rendering pipelines, and interaction techniques.

User Interface Design

This is a project-based course providing a comprehensive introduction to user interface (UI) design. Topics include goals and history of UI design, human-computer interactions and user experience, social impact of UI, and the UI design process. Students incorporate major aspects of user interface design, including user research, user interface patterns, prototyping, and evaluation, into a group project that provides them with hands-on experience of UI design disciplines.

Capstone Project I

This is the first course in a two-semester capstone sequence for Computing Science. Students formulate a well-defined software engineering or applied research problem in computing science, create a project management plan, and apply the software engineering design process to design and implement either a software or a software-integrated hardware prototype. Emphasis is placed on research, requirements gathering, systems design, project management, risk and resource planning, technical documentation, and iterative prototyping.

Capstone Project II

This is the second course in a two-semester capstone sequence for Computing Science. Students carry the approved design from CMPT 4001 through full implementation, verification and validation, refinement, deployment (or simulated release), and knowledge transfer. Deliverables may include a production-quality codebase and related artifacts, a public presentation or demonstration, and a professional final report with post-mortem, sustainability, and future-work analysis.

Advanced Game Development

This course introduces students to programming techniques, software architecture, and foundational design patterns used in the development of modern game engines. Using an object-oriented programming language (such as C++), students learn about the fundamental aspects of the monolithic hierarchy and component-based game object models through a hands-on approach. Topics include game object design, artificial intelligence behaviour systems, pathfinding algorithms, collision detection, and input-handling systems. Emphasis is placed on practical implementation and the development of reusable, modular game engine components.

Game Animation

This course introduces students to the core principles of animation with a focus on essential techniques for game and interactive experience development. Students learn how to design and create two- and three-dimensional game animations using a hands-on approach. Topics include keyframe animation, hierarchical modelling, deformation, and control rigs.

Computer Vision

This course introduces the foundations and applications of computer vision. Topics include image formation, colour spaces, the human visual system, and core image processing techniques such as filtering, edge detection, segmentation, and 3D reconstruction. Students also explore artificial intelligence and machine learning methods for vision, including feature extraction, support vector machines, convolutional neural networks, and transfer learning, with applications in robotics, medical imaging, and augmented/virtual reality.

Directed Studies in Commerce and Business Administration I

This course is for directed special projects or research studies in Commerce and Business Administration. The course focuses on developing the student's ability to define the scope of the project/research, create a plan for addressing the project/research needs, implement (as feasible) the project/research, and analyze the effectiveness of the project/research outcomes (or project/research progress if the project/research scope exceeds the semester).

For the course to be offered, students and/or faculty members submit a proposal to the responsible administrator. Students interested in making a proposal should contact their program coordinator.

Experiential Learning & Internship

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning as an intern in an actual business environment. The Experiential Learning & Internship course involves ongoing consultation between the student, the instructor, and the employment supervisor. Students interested in taking this course should visit this website: https://mycareer.douglascollege.ca/home.htm. It has the most up-to-date information on the steps for getting into this course and for the timelines (NOTE: It can take more than one semester before the student can enroll in the course. Thus, connecting with the Career Centre as soon as possible is very important.)

As an intern, the student is assigned tasks and challenges appropriate to a junior employee in a studies-relevant role. The experience provides an opportunity to apply theory and knowledge in a relevant work situation, and it enables the student to integrate their knowledge with actual practice as it applies in the hosting firm. The internship experience is designed to provide the student with practical experience in solving real-world problems. This course is intended for students in selected Commerce and Business Administration programs.

Experiential Learning & Internship II

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning as an intern in an actual business environment. The Experiential Learning and Internship II course involves ongoing consultation between the student, the instructor, and the employment supervisor. Students interested in taking this course should visit this website: https://mycareer.douglascollege.ca/home.htm. It has the most up-to-date information on the steps for getting into this course and for the timelines (NOTE: It can take more than one semester before the student can enroll in the course. Thus, connecting with the Career Centre as soon as possible is very important.)

As an intern, the student is assigned tasks and challenges appropriate to a junior employee in a studies-relevant role. The experience provides an opportunity to apply theory and knowledge in a relevant work situation, and it enables the student to integrate their knowledge with actual practice as it applies in the hosting firm. The internship experience is designed to provide the student with practical experience in solving real-world problems. This course is intended for students in selected Commerce and Business Administration programs who have already taken COBA 4885: Experiential Learning and Internship I.

Co-operative Education

This Co-operative (Co-op) Education course enables students to apply and develop knowledge and skills on the job. Over the duration of the paid Work Term, students, with the support of a Faculty Advisor, use, enhance and add to their transferable career skills and program specific skills. They set learning objectives for their work experience and complete a Work Term report, project or deliver a presentation. COOP 1100 is the first Co-op course which, students who are registered in a two-year approved program, must successfully complete to receive a Co-operative Education designation on their credential. COOP 1100 is the first of three required Co-op courses which, students who are registered in an approved four-year program, must successfully complete to receive a designation on their credential.

Co-operative Education

This Co-operative (Co-op) Education course is a Work Term extension with the same Co-op employer and occurs in the semester immediately following COOP 1100. It enables students to apply and develop more extensively their knowledge and career skills prior to returning to their academic program of studies. Over the duration of the paid Work Term, students, with the support of a Faculty Advisor, use and expand transferable job skills and program specific skills. Students set learning objectives for the work experience and complete a Work Term report, project or deliver a presentation.

Co-operative Education

This Co-operative (Co-op) Education course is taken after either COOP 1100 or 1200 with a new employer. It enables students to apply and develop more extensively their knowledge and career skills by building upon their previous Co-op Work Term(s) as well their additional academic studies. With the support of a Faculty Advisor, students set learning objectives for the Work Term and complete a Work Term report, project or presentation. As this is a second or third Work Term, students are encouraged to seek greater responsibility and/or more challenging tasks and projects than they had or were involved in during the previous Work Term(s). This course intends to enhance the students’ career success upon graduation from their chosen program. A student in an approved four-year program who successfully completes COOP 1100 plus COOP 1200 and this course, COOP 2300, is eligible for a Co-operative Education designation on their credential.

Co-operative Education

This Co-operative (Co-op) Education course is designed for students studying Sport Science (SPSC) and seeking work experience in a related field. This Co-op course enables students to apply and develop knowledge and skills on the job. Over the duration of this second paid Work Term, students, with the support of a Faculty Advisor, use, enhance and add to their transferable career skills and program specific skills. Students set learning objectives for their Work Term and complete a Work Term report, project or deliver a presentation outlining the nature and tasks of the work experience, detailing what they learned, and articulating how their academic and workplace experiences are connected. This course will enable students to start developing the necessary requirements which will be communicated through the SPCS learning outcomes. A student in an approved four-year SPSC program who successfully completes COOP 1100 plus this course COOP 2310, and COOP 3510 is eligible for a Co-operative Education designation on their credential.

Co-operative Education

This Co-operative (Co-op) Education course is taken in the semester immediately following COOP 2300. It enables students to expand their transferable job skills and their program-related knowledge and skills by building upon their previous Co-op work experience and their academic studies. With the support of a Faculty Advisor, students set learning objectives for the work experience and complete a Work Term report, project or presentation. As this is the third or fourth Work Term, students are encouraged to seek greater responsibility and/or more challenging tasks and projects than they had or were involved in during the previous Work Terms. This course intends to enhance the student's career success upon graduation from their chosen program. A student in an approved four-year program who successfully completes COOP 1100 plus COOP 2300 and this course, COOP 2400 is eligible for a Co-operative Education designation on their credential.

Co-operative Education

This Co-operative (Co-op) Education course is designed for degree students seeking work experience in a related field. Students, with the support of a Faculty Advisor, will apply and expand learned academic transferable and program specific skills. Students will develop knowledge and skills on the job. Students will set learning objectives for the work experience and complete a Work Term report, project or presentation, outlining the nature and tasks of the work experience, detailing what they learned, and articulating how their academic and workplace experiences are connected. A student who successfully completes COOP 1100 plus one of COOP 1200, 2300 or 2400 plus this course, COOP 3500, is eligible for a Co­-operative Education designation on their credential.

Co-operative Education

This Co-operative (Co-op) Education course is designed for Sport Science (SPSC) students seeking work experience in a related field. This Co-op course enables students to apply and develop knowledge and skills on the job. Over the duration of this third paid Work Term, students, with the support of a Faculty Advisor, use, enhance and add to their transferable career skills and program specific skills. Students set learning objectives for their work experience and complete a Work Term report, project or deliver a presentation outlining the nature and tasks of the work experience, detailing what they learned, and articulating how their academic and workplace experiences are connected. This course will enable students to develop the necessary requirements to meet SPCS outcomes. This course is intended to enhance the student's career success upon graduation. A student in an approved four-year SPSC program who successfully completes COOP 1100 plus COOP 2310, and COOP 3510 is eligible for a Co-operative Education designation on their credential.

Co-operative Education

This Co-operative (Co-op) Education course is designed for Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students to meet their work experience degree exit requirement. COOP 4500 will enable students to complete their work experience (500 hours) requirement gathering evidence from their workplace applying the eight broad Learning Outcomes of the BBA program. A student who successfully completes COOP 1100 plus one of COOP 1200, 2300, 2400 or 3500 plus this course, COOP 4500, is eligible for a Co-operative Education designation on their credential.

Introduction to the Criminal Justice System

This course examines the Canadian Criminal Justice System from a systems approach. A criminal incident will be followed through the system from detection to apprehension of the offender to the end of any formal or informal disposition. The factors involved in the discretion, decisions, and practices of the system, including statutory and voluntary agencies will be studied. The functions and dysfunctions of the system will be analyzed and current issues and reform initiatives will be reviewed.

Comparative Justice Systems

This course provides the student with the valuable opportunity to study a foreign justice system from a comparative viewpoint. A series of lectures, readings and assignments will precede travel to a foreign jurisdiction where site visits and tours, and interactive seminars will follow. The student will gain first hand experience and knowledge on a foreign jurisdiction as it compares to the Canadian Justice System.

Introduction to Policing

This course covers the historical development of policing as a component of the total justice system. Specific topics examined include: the police function, police community roles, authority, police stress, and the organization and structure of policing in Canada. Key issues including the use of force, corruption, accountability and the political dimension of police work are examined in detail.

Historical Perspectives In Criminal Justice

This course is a historical review of society's reaction to crime and deviance and the operation of the criminal justice system in Europe and North America over the centuries. This history relates to various political, legal, social, theoretical, philosophical movements and schools of thought. The development of criminal law is traced through the development of the police institution, the courts, the birth of the prison and other secure institutions designed to control the deviant. The history, transformation and evolution of punishment and imprisonment practice that seemingly molds itself independent of actual crime, criminality and perceived deviancy in society are considered. Students conduct in-depth examination of historical forces influencing the development, implementation, and modification of criminal justice approaches.

Introduction to Criminology

This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts and content of criminology, such as crime, criminal, delinquent, deviance, treatment, rehabilitation and victim. The position of criminology, its subject matter, and its relationships with other sciences will be examined. The relationships between theory, research, and practice are also included. The history and evolution of criminological thought through classical and modern theories will be critically analysed. Scientific foundations for a modern criminal justice policy will also be critically examined.

The Canadian Legal System

This course focuses on the history, development, and present day operation of the Canadian legal system. The topics that will be examined include: constitutional law; criminal, contract, and tort law; human rights; administrative law; the court system; the functions of judges and lawyers; and the basic elements of legal reasoning.

Introduction to Corrections

This course examines the current theory and practice of Canadian corrections. Topics include the history of corrections, sentencing, alternatives to incarceration, the incarceration process, correctional workers, institutional programs (e.g., work, education, security, social rehabilitation), community-based corrections programs, and community involvement in corrections. The functions and dysfunctions of corrections will be analyzed and current issues and reform initiatives will be reviewed.

Interviewing and Professional Skills

This course focuses on the dynamics of interpersonal communication and professional behaviour present in interviewing situations in the justice system. Personal and professional codes of ethics, confidentiality, values and ethical dilemmas are examined. Attention is given to active listening, response skills, effective inquiry, constructive feedback, elements of verbal and nonverbal communication, and how to structure and facilitate for information in interviews. In-class opportunities are provided for students to challenge, evaluate and shape appropriate professional behaviour and interviewing styles. Opportunities include role-playing, presentations, small group discussion, and simulated interviews. Intended for Criminology and Legal Studies students.

Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour

This course will examine psychological approaches to explaining recidivist criminal behaviour. The principal objective for this course is to critically examine some of the historical and contemporary theories that relate to the understanding of deviant and/or criminal acts. The relationship between theory, research, and practice will be explored using theoretical and empirical approaches to examine offending behaviours such as property and/or violent crimes.

Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour

This course will critically examine the sociological, socio-cultural, and socio-psychological explanations of criminal behaviour such as the ecological theories, conflict theories, control theories, and symbolic interactionist theories. Some of the specific theories subjected to critical examination will be those concerned with class and group conflict, subcultures, social conditioning, containment, differential association, labelling and gender.

Youth, Crime & the Law

This course focuses on identification, reaction, and response to youth crime and deviance. Historical and contemporary contexts are examined. Attention is given to the social construction of the young offender and the emerging criticisms of this label. Theoretical explanations of deviant and criminal behaviour, along with an analysis of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and its application, including components of the justice system, programs and agencies related to youth misconduct are discussed. A series of current trends and topics will also be explored.

Research Methods in Criminology

This is an introductory course in research methodology in Criminology and the Social Sciences. Topics addressed include: origin of research questions; qualitative and quantitative approaches; deductive and inductive approaches including theory, hypothesis testing and causality; sampling; and ethical issues in research. Using an inter-disciplinary approach, course materials will focus on research in criminology and criminal justice. Emphasis will be placed on data gathering techniques.

Criminal Law

This course is designed to give students an understanding of Canadian criminal law. The course will begin with a review of the sources of criminal law and how criminal law operates within the structure of the justice system. Students will be introduced to the role of criminal law in society through a discussion of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and recent cases. This will be followed by a thorough examination of the principles of substantive Canadian criminal law. The substantive criminal law will be explained and examined by the use of the case method. General principles of law will be discussed in the context of specific cases decided by the courts. Students will be encouraged to consider the law critically, from both an academic and societal perspective.

Administration of Justice

This course introduces students to the study of law, politics, and the administration of justice in Canada. The course examines elements of governmental structures and processes impacting on justice policy making and administration. A discussion of these roles and the interplay between judges, legislators, and government and justice system agencies in creation and implementation of policy are also examined. The course will also apply these concepts to a variety of significant current issues in the administration of justice.

Advanced Theoretical Perspectives

This course explores the diverse nature of theory within the field of crime and deviance by focusing on modern, post-modern and post-critical theories. The selected paradigms are studied with regard to their explanatory domain, role in examining social and criminological problems and research implications.

Environmental Law

This course introduces the fundamentals of environmental law with a focus on sustainability and environmental justice. It begins with core legal principles and explores how the Canadian Constitution structures environmental governance across federal, provincial and Indigenous jurisdictions. The course examines the role of private (civil) law in addressing environmental harm and the tools governments use to regulate and enforce environmental protection, ranging from traditional regulation to economic and non-economic instruments. Throughout, students will critically assess how legal systems can both advance and hinder environmental justice. The course concludes by exploring the impact and responsibilities of individual citizens and grassroots groups in environmental stewardship and shaping sustainable outcomes.

Qualitative Research Methods

This course provides the essential knowledge and skills necessary to carry out qualitative research in Criminology. The course will cover the foundations of a wide variety of specific qualitative techniques including interviews, ethnography, content analysis, historiography and case study methods. As well, key methodological considerations such as ethics, interpretation, assessment, and writing will be examined.

Human Rights and Civil Liberties

This course focuses on the relationship between government and the individual. The primary focus is on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its interpretation by the judiciary. An examination of issues including equality before the law, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and democratic rights are examined. A study of rights at the international, federal and provincial levels will also be included.

Problem Solving & Interventions in Criminal Justice

This course will explore theoretical perspectives and practical skill sets for effective communication, decision making, and problem solving within a criminal justice context. Strategies for crisis intervention and conflict de-escalation and resolution will be introduced. Practical approaches for assessing, managing and intervening in various criminal justice situations will be examined. Challenges with diverse client groups will be identified and interventions surveyed. Student will have ongoing opportunities to develop and practice skills through this highly interactive course.

Criminology Practicum

This course provides the student with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the criminal justice field. Students will be exposed to the daily operations and informal and formal structure of a chosen agency. The theoretical and substantive roles played by each agency in the wider criminal justice context will be explored.

Indigenous Peoples: Crime and Justice

This course examines crime, deviance, and victimization of Indigenous persons and subsequent community and system responses. A critical examination of relevant theory practice will analyze the effects of colonialism both historically and contemporarily. The critical role of the justice system is included. Culturally relevant healing programs and justice initiatives along with community reactions and responses will be examined.

Women and Crime

This course will examine how women’s criminality is conceived and responded to, both historically and in the current Canadian context. The connection between women’s victimization and criminality will be highlighted. The significance of patriarchal ideology and the role of social control agencies criminalizing women will be examined. Some of the topics to be considered are: historical subordination, traditional and contemporary criminological explanations (specific emphasis will be given to feminist and gender theories), characteristics of criminalized women, control and punishment, and strategies for change.

Criminal Procedure and Evidence

This course examines various topics in criminal procedure and evidence in Canada. It is designed to explain and critique the legal rules pertaining to the gathering of evidence, the court process, the admissibility of evidence at trial and post-conviction sentencing, appeals, and other remedies.

Cybercrime

This course explores technical, legal, and social issues related to cybercrime. Cybercrime is a broad term that includes offences where a computer may be the target, crimes where a computer may be a tool used in the commission of an existing offence, and crimes where a computer may play a subsidiary role such as offering evidence for the commission of an offence. The operation of computers and the internet will be discussed. The origins and extent of cybercrime, responses from legal systems to cyber-criminals, and the social impact of cybercrimes will be addressed. Various types of cybercrimes, cyber-criminals, as well as the motivations and methods involved in cyber-offences will be explored. The etiology of cybercrimes will be analyzed from cultural, subcultural, sociological, and opportunity perspectives. International issues and jurisdictional challenges will be critically examined.

Sex Offenders and Sexual Offences

This course explores the topic of sexual offenders and sexual offences. Contemporary and historical theory will be critically assessed. Description and prevalence of specific sexual offences, sexual offenders, and coercive paraphilias will be addressed. The etiology of sexual offences will be discussed from sociological, psychological, biological, and multifactorial perspectives. Both sexual and nonsexual recidivism rates of sexual offenders will be compared. An overview of available sex offender risk assessment tools will be discussed and their effectiveness evaluated. Alternative measures, including community notification, available to the criminal justice system will be explored. Treatment options and the general state of sexual offender treatment are reviewed.

Correctional Practice and Policy

This course examines contemporary issues in correctional practice and policy. Potential topics of discussion include: conditions of confinement, violence in institutions, prison culture, ethics and critique of correctional practice, the influence of correctional policy, the relationship between community and corrections, the goals of correctional institutions, and future challenges in correctional practice and policy.

Restorative Justice

This course provides an exploration of restorative justice. The history, philosophy and strategies of restorative justice are critically examined. Prevailing assumptions about crime and justice are challenged. Retributive and restorative approaches are compared and contrasted. Particular attention is paid to the importance of values and relationships in restorative justice, and concepts such as crime, punishment and justice are juxtaposed to ideas of harms and healing. The importance of the roles of victims, offenders, community, police, corrections, and government are examined. Community development and social justice are considered. Canadian and international examples and expressions of restorative justice programs are discussed. Consideration is given to evaluation and assessment of restorative justice initiatives, as well as attempts to co-opt restorative justice for purposes inconsistent with the philosophy.

Organized Crime

This course provides an examination of the many forms of organized crime from traditional organized crime groups to street level gangs. A review of relevant academic and legal sources will be conducted to illustrate the phenomenon of organized crime. A specific focus will be on current events in British Columbia and moreover, how local crime groups and crime industries impact on a global perspective. Additional topics will include political responses to organized crime and gang violence, and how people in Canada are influenced by media and the unique U.S. experience. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the topic through indepth study of relevant literature, research, and the evaluation of recent developments in the area.

Community Crime Prevention

This course examines primary, secondary and tertiary approaches to the prevention of crime in order to provide students with a conceptual framework from which they can evaluate and create programs to reduce crime in the community. The conceptual framework will draw from principles of community and developmental psychology, environmental criminology and security administration. The emphasis in the course will be on the “environment,” including social, cultural and physical surroundings and finding ways, using planning, architecture, situational crime prevention, programming, and social justice means to reduce the amount of spatial clustering or “hot spots” of crime and development of crime.

Customs and Border Services

This course examines Canadian border services, security, and customs. Topics will include an analysis of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) as a federal policing agency; enabling legislation (e.g. Customs Act, IRPA, Criminal Code); primary and secondary inspection tactics and interviewing skills; seizure, detention, personal search powers, and arrest; commercial and personal importations; concealment tactics; human behavioural analysis; use of force options for border purposes; report writing and intelligence collection; and current issues in Canadian border security.

Crime and Intelligence Analysis

This course introduces students to the types of crime and intelligence analysis, and the roles played by analysts themselves. Students will also learn the fundamentals of crime analysis, core competencies, models of intelligence and logic; as well as, preparing and presenting intelligence end-products. Students are introduced to data-mining and visual investigative systems, as well as crime analysis and mapping software for criminal justice purposes.

Terrorism

This course examines the pathways of radicalization toward terrorism and/or violent extremism in both online and offline environments. The course begins by defining and critically analyzing the concepts of terrorism, radicalization, and extremism, and in doing so will provide a brief background on the historical development and modern usage of these terms. In order to understand how and why certain individuals radicalize and join extremist movements, various theories of radicalization are discussed. In addition, several modern prominent extremist movements (along with their ideologies and radicalization/recruitment tactics) are highlighted and examined in detail including White Nationalists, Islamist extremists, and gender-based extremists. The course concludes with discussions about media depictions of terrorism, as well as a focus on counter-radicalization and counter-extremism strategies across governments, criminal justice agencies, and the public.

Mental Disorder and the Law

This course focuses on experiences of those with mental disorders in the criminal justice system. Students are introduced to relevant professional disciplines in the Canadian criminal justice and forensic psychiatric systems. The course focuses on criminal process and procedures in place to detain and treat criminally accused, mentally disordered persons. The legal concept of “protection of the public” is examined along with current issues in mental health law. A critical review of legal provisions with regard to the treatment, care, and control of mentally disordered persons from both practical and theoretical perspectives is undertaken.

Media, Crime and Criminal Justice

This course examines the relationship between media, crime and the criminal justice system. Emphases are placed on how various types of media construct or perceive criminal activities, how the media influences public policy and shapes perceptions of crime as a social problem. Students will learn to interpret and analyze specific examples of media representations of crime. Topics include crime news and entertainment, the media as a cause, consequence and cure for crime and news making criminology.

Police and Community

This course examines the philosophy and practice of community policing and contrasts community-based approaches with traditional models of policing. The course critically explores the history of community policing and police reform in Canada specifically and in North America generally. It reviews the structure and delivery of modern policing services as a response to contemporary issues such as fear of crime and the changing nature of crime in diverse communities.

Victimization

This course will explore developments and critical issues from the field of victimology. The construction of the “victim” will be discussed by tracing the evolution of this designation through the development of the formalized justice system through to current debates. Topics such as the multidimensional impacts of crime and other social harm, the needs of victims, the evolution of victim’s rights, and trends in responses and legislation with respect to victims will be covered. Special attention will be paid to the human dimensions of victimization and the importance of considering the needs of those harmed in justice responses.

Gambling in Canada

Gambling has become a ubiquitous form of human behaviour in most societies. This course considers gambling in late modernity through an examination of the historical, legal, political, economic, social and cultural features of western societies with an emphasis on how these features have influenced public policies in Canada. Course themes include an historical synopsis, legal issues, public policy formation, gambling participation, gambling addiction, government operation and regulation, Indigenous gaming, the history and modern ubiquity of technologically-mediated sports betting and criminological concerns such as organized crime, loan sharking, money laundering, fraud and corruption.

Forensic Sciences

This course explores the basic concepts and the main areas of forensic science. It will examine the use and interpretation of physical forensic evidence in court. It will evaluate the major forensic sciences currently used in criminal investigations, as well crime scene procedures. Topics examined may include anthropology, fingerprints, biology including serology and DNA, trace evidence, toxicology, firearms and tool mark evidence, questioned documents, and computer forensics.

Human Death Investigations

This course will give an overview of some of the main types of human death investigations. An understanding of the approach, biological mechanisms of death, and the role of the “investigator” in various death scenarios will be discussed. This course will also focus on the use of a standardized approach to the investigation of sudden deaths, to recognize the features of each specific death type, and to understand the importance of scene investigation.

Special Topics in Community and Institutional Practice

This course examines a specific topic or emerging issue in the field of Criminology as it relates to Community and Institutional Practice. Content may include theory, legislation and policy, procedures and practical application, and critical debate relevant to the specific topic.

Special Topics in Crime Analysis and Prevention

This course examines a specific topic or emerging issue in the field of Criminology as it relates to Crime Analysis and Prevention. Content may include theory, legislation and policy, procedures and practical application, and critical debate relevant to the specific topic.

Special Topics in Legal Studies

This course examines a specific topic or emerging issue in the field of Criminology as it relates to Legal Studies. Content may include theory, legislation and policy, procedures and practical application, and critical debate relevant to the specific topic.

Criminology Honours Seminar

This seminar is designed for students who wish to complete an honours degree and/or attend graduate school. Topics include developing research topics, ethics, graduate school applications, and the peer review process. Students will have the opportunity to present and receive feedback on their Honours Thesis proposal.

Criminology Honours Thesis I

Honours Thesis I provides students with an opportunity to conduct independent research within a specific area of interest in criminology. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will complete a literature review and analysis of published empirical work on their selected topic. Students will be required to submit a paper outlining a summary of the previous literature, and the design for an original research project, which may include a completed research ethics review form.

Criminology Honours Thesis II

In this course, Honours students will continue to develop their research skills under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will collect data using the approved methods from their research project in CRIM 4910. Honours students will analyze and interpret their results, as well as present their thesis both orally and in writing.

Introduction to Writing Poetry

This course concentrates on the process of writing poetry. Students will draw from their individual experiences to create poems that are clear, arresting and well-crafted. Students will develop an ear for the musicality and resonance of language, a clear sense of image, and a consideration of audience. Poems written by students will be read and discussed by the instructor and students in a workshop.

Introduction to Playwriting

This course concentrates on the process of writing stage plays. It includes instruction in play mechanics, dramatic structure, character development, speech patterns, movement, action, and dialogue in the writing of drama. Students are introduced to a range of stage play formats and styles through the study of traditional and modern plays. Student work is presented and discussed by the instructor and students in a workshop environment.