The New Punitiveness?

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Intensive

None

None

Criminology at Undergraduate level

191-440 The New Punitiveness?

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/

This subject focuses on the idea that since the 1970s there has been a rise in punitiveness right across the developed nations of the west. The subject asks students to identify and understand the different domains in which punitiveness might reside and have notionally been increased. It will introduce students to key debates within contemporary criminology concerning the extent, substance and reasons for changes in punitiveness. The subject will explore through a series of case studies the experiences of nations that have seen apparent rises in punitiveness as well as countervailing cases, such as in the Scandanavian countries and Canada, which seem to have escaped the trend. On completion of the subject students should have an understanding of both the data and explanatory and theoretical arguments concerning what has been seen as a major defining feature of most western nations' recent history: the inexorable rise of punitive attitudes and practices.

• understand the various ways in which punishment, or punitiveness more braadly, has changed in western nations since the 1970s.
• be able to identify punitive and non-punitive states.
• be capable to explain the main arguments relating to punitive intent across a range of 'justice' sectors, from the courts to prisons and new penal domains, such as anti-terrorist initiatives.

A Policy brief of 2000 words (40%) due during the intensive teaching period, and an Essay of 3000 words (60%) due in the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory on all 4 days. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject.Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment that is submitted after the due date and up to 10 working days late without an approved extension will be marked on a pass/fail basis only. Assessment that is submitted later than 10 working days will not be accepted or marked. 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 is not available as a breadth subject.

• to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic.
• apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry.
• be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively.
• to develop cross-cultural understanding.

This subject will be offered in September 2012.