Crime Prevention: Critical Approaches

This subject is not offered in 2014.

120 hours

Criminology at Undergraduate level

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/

Crime prevention is a growth area in applied criminology, and many graduates find themselves working in this field. This subject provides a basic understanding of relevant theory and practice. Current national and international developments are summarised and analyzed, and approaches to crime prevention are critically assessed. Specific topics include social prevention, environmental prevention, crime prevention through environmental design and the police and the business sectors" roles in crime prevention. Evaluation of prevention programs and strategies also is discussed. In line with the subject"s policy emphasis, part of the assessment involves summarising and assessing a major Australian crime prevention initiative.

On completion of this subject students should:

• understand contemporary crime prevention theories and techniques;
• be able to apply crime prevention theory in specific contexts;
• recognise and be able to explain problems and challenges experienced in attempting to ensure that prevention displaces 'law and order' as the principle paradigm for dealing with crime in Western societies;
• understand social and political factors which affect the development and application of crime prevention policy.

A 1500 word take-home test (30%) due mid-semester, and an essay of 3500 words (70%) due in the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, seminar attendance is compulsory on all 4 days. Regular participation in class 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.

• Crime Prevention: Principles, Perspectives and Practices (A Sutton, A. Cherney and R. White) Cambridge University Press 2008

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• 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.