Criminology (9177.1)

This unit examines aspects of criminology from a sociological perspective. The growth of criminology as a relatively integrated body of theories will be discussed and evaluated and the conceptual and methodological principles of the theories evaluated. The unit will also examine the effectiveness of criminal justice interventions in changing individual behaviour, reducing opportunities for crime and increasing public safety. The subject considers the research evidence about the effectiveness and impacts of selected policies, and reviews methodologies of evaluation. Case studies may include: regulating drug use, dealing with juvenile delinquency, managing domestic violence, and controlling organised crime. Special attention will be given to the operation of the criminal justice systems and to the components of such systems, including the police, the judiciary, the legal profession, probation and parole, and prisons. Students may be expected to participate in institutional visits and to undertake field observation.

This unit is co-taught with 7564 Criminology G.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. communicate ideas and information appropriately for academic or professional audiences, including communicating in written and oral forms;
2. explain the scope and dimensions of the topic area of criminal justice, including:
a. theories of crime and deviance,
b. the social and political context in which crime and deviance are defined,
c. the nature of crime and deviance, and
d. responses to crime and deviance, including evaluation studies;
3. undertake selective and critical research into criminal justice, including evaluation studies, and identify, critically evaluate and use literature in the area;
4. give an account of the origins and development of criminal justice and relevant evaluation studies;
5. evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to combat crime. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies associated with evaluating criminal justice programs and know when it is appropriate to use each approach;
6. work effectively by themselves or in group learning tasks;
7. apply professional standards in discussion and exhibit ethical and responsible values.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings

Skills development

The following table indicates the connection between unit learning outcomes and generic skills:

 

Unit learning outcomes	UC Generic skills
1. communicate ideas and information appropriately for academic or professional audiences, including communicating in written and oral forms;	Communication
2. explain the scope and dimensions of the topic area of criminal justice, including: a. theories of crime and deviance, b. the social and political context in which crime and deviance are defined, c. the nature of crime and deviance, and d. responses to crime and deviance, including evaluation studies; 3. undertake selective and critical research into criminal justice, including evaluation studies, and identify, critically evaluate and use literature in the area; 4. give an account of the origins and development of criminal justice and relevant evaluation studies;	Analysis and inquiry
5. evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to combat crime. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies associated with evaluating criminal justice programs and know when it is appropriate to use each approach;	Problem solving
6. work effectively by themselves or in group learning tasks;	Working independently and with others
7. apply professional standards in discussion and exhibit ethical and responsible values.	Professionalism and social responsibility

 

Prerequisites

Completion of 36 credit points of study.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

Restrictions: This unit is not open to students who have passed 7915 What Works in Criminal Justice (Criminology)

Equivalent units

7915 What Works in Criminal Justice (Criminology)

Assumed knowledge

Some understanding of the Australian legal and criminal justice system.