From Graffiti to Terrorism

Subject CRIM10001 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 x one hour lectures and 1 x one hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment:

Total of 120 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Dr. David McDonald

mcdj@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject explores the motivations underpinning particular types of criminal behaviour. It begins with an overview of various definitions and ways of measuring crime and then looks at the causes of specific offences ranging through graffiti, to animal cruelty, to armed robbery, to illicit drug use, to terrorism. Wherever possible, the words and rationales of offenders are used to give a more grounded insight into the reasons for criminal behaviour. Overall, the course has been designed to facilitate: discussion of criminal events which feature prominently in the public mind and/or the popular media; discussion of the relationship between the perceived causes of crime and responses to criminal offending by police, courts and corrections; and discussion of the implicit models of personhood, choice, gender, economic position, geographic location, peer group dynamics and other variables underpinning particular theories of criminal behaviour and formal and informal mechanisms for controlling such behaviour.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • identify the major theoretical perspectives within criminology;
  • use and understand key concepts and terms within criminology;
  • discuss critically the strengths and weaknesses of techniques used to measure, classify and define crime and criminality;
  • have an awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications.
Assessment:

A 600 word report (15%) due within the first four weeks of semester, a 2000 word essay (50%) due during the semester, and a 1400 word take-home exam (35%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students should have:

  • an understanding of the range of explanations offered for crime and the limitations and strengths attending such explanations;
  • a basic understanding of the three main criminal justice armatures (police, courts, prisons) and their intended and unintended impact on the prevalence of particular types of offences;
  • a basic capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning within the criminological context.
Notes:

Available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Criminology
Criminology
Criminology
Criminology Major
Socio-legal Studies Major
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology Major
Related Breadth Track(s): Criminology

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