From Graffiti to Terrorism

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

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.

• 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.

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.

This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% Tutorial attendance. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment or sit the final examination. 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.

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

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

• 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.