UNDERSTANDING CRIME

Overview

This is a level one subject, which explores how different understandings of crime have emerged as a response to changing social, political and economic contexts. It explores the usefulness of understandings developed since the eighteenth century to date, for explaining and responding to different types of crime today. The nature and impact of key criminological approaches ranging from classicism and positivism through to current day critical perspectives will be illustrated and analysed through consideration of contemporary case studies. The way in which criminological theories inform practical responses to crime within and beyond the criminal justice system will also be highlighted. In this subject we also consider social inequalities, intersectionality and how theory can help us understand these in the context of criminal justice system.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

School

Subject coordinator

Helena Menih

Subject type

Undergraduate

Year level

Year Level 1 - UG

AQF level

Level 5 - Diploma

Available as elective

Yes

Available to study abroad / exchange students

Yes

Capstone subject
Capstones provide students with a way of integrating and applying knowledge and skills gained throughout their course.

Academic progress review - Schedule A subject

Subject instances

To view instance specific details which include - Assessments, Class requirements and Subject instance coordinators - please select your preferred instance via the drop-down menu at the top right-hand side of this page.

Career ready

Work based learning (placement):No

Graduate capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing

COMMUNICATION - Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspective

DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Creativity and Innovation

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Leadership and Teamwork

Subject intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate applicability of the criminological approaches in explaining crime and criminality.

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental differences between different criminological approaches by being able to clearly distinguish between them.

Analyse the relationship between criminological theory and practical responses to crime within and beyond the criminal justice system.

Critically engage with key theoretical ideas and ideological concepts about crime and criminal justice system.

Present your understanding of criminological perspectives on crime and criminality in a concise, relevant, and well-informed manner.

Learning activities

Mini-lectures, readings, workshop exercises, online activities, quizzes

Handbook