Victims

Subject 191-316 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Recommended: 12.5 points of Level 1 and Level 2 Criminology
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 Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Fiona Sally Haines

Contact

Assoc. Prof. Fiona Haines
fsh@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This course describes and assesses ways governments and societies respond to victims of crime and other adversities. A broadly sociological framework is used to analyze the history of victim movements and the discipline of victimology. Definitions of victimisation are reviewed, and the course debates whether victimology should focus purely on victims of crime or should also include victims of abuse of power. Research on patterns of crime victimisation and on victims' needs is summarised and explored. Case-studies of crime victimisation and of abuses of power are used both to highlight the plight of victims and to explore support strategies.
Objectives:
  • understand the history of victim movements and victimology;
  • comprehend general patterns of criminal victimisation;
  • appreciate the main needs of victims of crime;
  • be able to locate media and other debates about victims in broader economic, political and other social contexts.
Assessment: Participation in a class group presentation worth 15%, an essay of 2500 words 60% (due mid-semester) and a take-home test of 1000 words 25% due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop. Recommended Reading: B. Spalek, Crime Victims: Theory, Policy and Practice. Palgrave, 2006.
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:
  • have highly developed cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • have an advanced understanding of complex concepts and the ability to express them lucidly in writing and orally;
  • have sophisticated awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications;
  • have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.
Notes:

Formerly available as 191-434 and 191-316. Students who have completed 191-434 or 191-316 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Available as a Breadth subject
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Criminology)
Diploma in Arts (Sociology)
Graduate Certificate in Criminology
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Criminology
Criminology
Criminology
Criminology Major
Socio-legal Studies Major

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