CRIM 4950

Students will critically examine the historical, legal, cultural, and political issues underlying sexual violence and sexual crimes from various theoretical perspectives and research. The structure and function of the Canadian criminal justice system in its treatment of sexual offenders and victims will be reviewed. The etiology of sexual offences will be discussed from sociological, psychological, biological, and integrated perspectives. This course will have both a theoretical and an applied focus with students developing an understanding of sexual violence through assigned readings, documentaries, and legal cases. Rehabilitative, corrective, and preventive measures as well as possible future initiatives will also be discussed. Note: This is a seminar course. It is suggested (but not required) that students take CRIM 2330 prior to taking this course.