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Criminology

What is Criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminals, victims and the law from a social perspective. Studies in Criminology at Laurier Brantford will introduce you to theories of crime and contemporary justice issues using an interdisciplinary approach relevant to a changing world. Criminologists are interested in:

  • Theories explaining why people commit crime
  • Social impact and reaction to crime and deviance
  • Victimization
  • Criminal justice system and law enforcement responses
  • Crime prevention

As a discipline, Criminology is an excellent program of study for students with a wide range of career aspirations. Students graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at Laurier Brantford may pursue careers in a variety of professions. These include but are not limited to: community services, law enforcement, research, government services, corrections and rehabilitation, and the gaming industry.

Graduates who wish to continue their education may choose continued studies at the graduate level in Criminology, Sociology, Anthropology, or other professional studies such as law school.

Graduate Student Conference

Graduate students of the MA Criminology program at Laurier Brantford host the annual Justice, Crime and Deviance: Regional Graduate Research and Networking Conference during the spring semester to facilitate networking opportunities for graduate students in criminology throughout Ontario. More detailed information about the conference can be obtained by contacting the organizing members.

Why Criminology at Laurier Brantford?

This innovative and unique program will provide you with a well-rounded education where you will develop strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills while achieving credentials that are cutting edge, relevant and necessary for careers in criminology.

Studying Criminology at Laurier Brantford offers students a number of advantages including:

  • A diverse range of course offerings.
  • Classes taught by innovative and experienced faculty members with nationally funded research programs.
  • Student-focused academic experience that emphasizes the critical thinking, applied reasoning, and communication skills valued by prospective employers.
  • Integration of new technology in the classroom through use of the Active Learning Classroom, smartphone student engagement tools, podcasts and Twitter feeds to enhance learning.

Public Criminology

Our department offers a course called Public Criminology that bridges the gap between the university and the public sphere. Each class begins with a public lecture from an esteemed criminologist, followed by a roundtable-style discussion between students, members of the public, and the featured presenter to develop a deeper understanding of the social and historical contexts that make society possible.

Previous lectures in this course have included:

  • Crime Matters: The Criminological Imagination and Public Criminology with Christopher McCormick.
  • Trying to Make Sense of Homegrown Terrorist Radicalization with Lorne Dawson.
  • Kids Gone Wild: Worry about Sex Bracelets, Rainbow Parties, and Sexting with Joel Best.
  • The Future of Policing in Canada: Challenges and Possibilities with Tullio Capputo.
  • Social Regulation of Drugs: The New “Normal”? with Patricia Erickson.
  • Children and Youth in Canada: A Human Rights Discussion with Bernard Schissel.