The New Punitiveness?

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Total of 170 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/

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.

On completion of this subject students should:

• 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 mid-semester.
• An Essay of 3000 words (60%) due in the Semester 2 examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory on all 4 days. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Note: 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.

A subject reader will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• 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;
• develop cross-cultural understanding.