Crime and Public Policy

Subject CRIM30001 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

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: 2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Criminology at Levels 1 & 2
Non Allowed Subjects: 191-302 Crime 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

Assoc Prof John Fitzgerald

Contact

Assoc. Prof. John Fitzgerald
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).

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.
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.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Public Policy and Management
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Criminology
Criminology
Criminology
Criminology Major

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