Crime and Public Policy

Subject CRIM30001 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 x 1.5 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Completion of 37.5 points of level two subjects in Criminology and enrolment in the Bachelor of Arts or Graduate Diploma in Arts. Bachelor of Arts Students should endeavour to take the capstone subject in their final semester of study after the completion of 25 points of third year.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Levels 1 & 2 Criminology
Non Allowed Subjects:

Any of the following subjects:

191-202 Crime and Public Policy

191-003 Criminology and Public Policy
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/

Coordinator

Ms Rebecca Hiscock, Ms Ruth Liston

Contact

Dr. Juliet Rogers
julietr@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Many criminology graduates find themselves researching, developing and applying crime policy in government, political and other contexts. This subject helps prepare students for such work. As well as providing an overview of factors shaping policy in Australia and other countries, it reviews challenges associated with making theory relevant in practical contexts. Emphasis is on exploring contemporary issues of public policy such as control of the sex industry, drug law reform, HIV policy, public drunkenness, multiculturalism and the interlinking themes of these public issues. The subject also draws on sociological, psychoanalytic and philosophical theory to help understand opportunities for, and obstacles to, the introduction or reform of public policy. Specific theorists used include Foucault, Zizek, Marx, Butler, Deleuze and poststructural feminist theory. These theorists are used to consider the philosophies that underpin rationales for deciding what is deserving of state intervention and comment as either public policy or criminalization.
Objectives:
  • understand political, economic, social and religious elements affecting crime policy in contemporary Australia.
  • understand challenges associated with trying to apply coplex theory in policy contexts.
  • be aware of contemporary debates concerning the modern state, social control and the role of criminal law and criminal justice.
  • be able to analyse and discuss attempts within Australia to reform crime policies.
Assessment: An essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and a 2-hour examination 50% (held during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop
Recommended Texts:

None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • have significant cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • understand complex concepts and express them lucidly in writing and orally.
  • have advanced awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications.
  • have considerable capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning.
  • have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.
Notes:

191-302 Crime and Public Policy is a compulsory requirement for the completion of a Criminology major for students who commenced the BA from 2008.

191-302 Crime and Public Policy is not available as a Breadth subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Public Policy and Management
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Criminology
Criminology
Criminology
Criminology Major

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