Research and Criminal Justice Governance

Subject 191-543 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

February, - 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: February 9, 10, 16, 17, 18. This subject will be taught as an intensive program from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Total Time Commitment: Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate certificate/ diploma or fourth-year honours in criminology, socio-legal studies or sociology, or the Master of Criminology, Master of Public Policy and Management or Master of Social Policy.
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

Dr Stuart Ross

Contact

Dr. Stuart Ross

rossr1@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: How effective are criminal justice interventions in changing individual behaviour, reducing opportunities for crime, and increasing public safety? Why is there so much emphasis by government on the impact of criminal justice programs, and how does this affect the design and funding of criminal justice programs? What does this focus on effectiveness mean for research and evaluation priorities and methods? This subject examines the research evidence about the effectiveness and impacts of selected policies, the policy framework that determines what kind of interventions are selected by government, and the research methodologies of criminal justice program evaluation. Case studies include home detention, juvenile diversion and conferencing, offender mentoring, drug treatment, release support programs, and crime prevention programs. In addition, the course will examine professional and political issues about the role and application of evaluations in criminal justice. The program will include guest lectures from people involved in delivering or evaluating criminal justice programs. As part of the program students will undertake group work to design an evaluation study.
Objectives:
  • have obtained knowledge of a range of evaluative assessments regarding the effectiveness of criminological interventions;
  • have developed a framework for assessing the adequacy of criminological evaluations in terms of the questions being asked, the designed being employed, and the measures used in the evaluation.
Assessment: An essay of 4000 words (80%) a class presentation (20%). Students should choose a criminal justice program and critically assess evaluations of this kind of program. Issues to be addressed will include: Effectiveness principles for the program; Evaluation aims and questions; Methodology, including research design, data sources, analysis methods; Professional and political issues that may arise in the course of an evaluation.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
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 191-436 and 191-543. Students who have completed 191-436 or 191-543 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Related Course(s): Master of Criminology (CWT)
Master of Public Policy and Management (Coursework)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Criminology
Criminology

Download PDF version.