This course will examine the historical definitions of youth deviance and criminality in conjunction with the evolution of youth justice laws in Canada. Societal views and reaction to juvenile delinquency and crime will be discussed as well as basic theoretical perspectives. Risk and protective factors, such as family, school, peers and social economic status, and how they affect youth crime rates, will be discussed. The process of moving youth through the criminal justice system, from police interactions, to court attendance and corrections, will also be reviewed.
Credits: 3
Hours: 45 (Lecture Hours: 45)
Total Weeks: 15
Prerequisite:
ENGL 100 and (CRIM 101 or CRIM 131)
Non-Course Prerequisite:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Course Content:
- Rise and fall of the term "juvenile delinquency"
- Evolution of youth justice laws, from the Juvenile Delinquents Act to the current Youth Criminal Justice Act
- Criminality and deviance
- Nature and prevalence of youth crime
- Theories of youth crime
- Risk and protective factors for criminality
- Police, courts and correctional interactions and processes
- Future challenges and emerging issues
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe and analyze the evolution of youth laws in Canada
- Explain the historical usage of the term "juvenile delinquency" and its effect on the creation of laws and public opinion
- Define and differentiate the key concepts of crime and deviance and how they are used in the social and legal context
- Discuss theories of youth criminality and their implications of the criminal justice system's response to youth justice
- Describe the procedures of the criminal justice system, specifically police, courts and corrections, in relation to young offenders
- Compare different justice models and their strengths and weaknesses in dealing with young offenders.
- Identify key challenges and issues facing the future of youth justice in Canada
Knowledge
- Critically review assigned readings and be prepared to discuss in class
- Evaluate sources of information while preparing written assignments
- Evaluate arguments surrounding emerging and sometimes controversial topics
- Summarize key concepts of theoretical perspectives
Skills
- Develop critical thinking skills when reviewing and discussing information
- Research library, internet and other information for appropriate reference material
- Write A.P.A. style assignments at a 2nd year level, including proper usage of citations, references, spelling and grammar.
Attitudes
- Participate respectfully in class discussions of relevant topics
- Recognize diversity of race, culture, experience, capabilities and opinions within the class
- Acknowledge personal needs and emotions and demonstrate self-care strategies.
Technologies
- Use of the Desire to Learn Platform
- Practice using internet and computer data bases to access research information and preparing and producing written assignments
Grading System: Letters
Passing Grade: D (50%)
Percentage of Individual Work: 90
Percentage of Group Work: 10
Textbooks:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.