Crime, Whiteness and Indigenous People

Subject 191-318 (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:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 3 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

Contact

To be advised.
Subject Overview: This subject will be run as an Indigenous-focused course. It offers an examination of the relationship between Indigenous communities, western law and the practices and institutions of the criminal justice system. It explores differential theoretical perspectives on the processes of Indigenous criminalisation and victimisation, and examines specific issues such as racism, different policing, access to justice and Indigenous-led solutions to law reform and criminal justice empowerment.
Objectives:
  • have developed a knowledge of how the criminal justice system operates in relation to indigenous people and ethnic minority groups;
  • be able to understand a range of historical factors which influence how different social groups interact with the institutions of criminal justice;
  • have developed an appreciation of different theoretical explanations within criminology in relation to issues of crime, race and ethnicity;
  • be able to conduct research and analysis which is sensitive to the intersections between class, gender, ethnicity and race in social life;
  • have developed an appreciation of the complexities involved in undertaking research, designing intervention programmes and initiating anti-racist strategies as these relate to criminal justice.
Assessment: An essay of 2500 words 75% (due during semester), and a take-home exam of 1500 words 25% (due during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available 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:
  • 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 166-427 'Crime, Ethnicity & Race' and 191-318. Students who have completed 166-427 or 191-318 are not eligible to ernol in this subject.

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

Download PDF version.