PCE2070

Crime stories: criminology and crime fiction

Scott Beattie

8 points - 3 hours per week - Second semester - Clayton

Objectives On completion of this subject, students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of criminological theory; understand the history and social context of the various traditions of crime fiction; explore the themes of current interest to the law and literature movement, particularly with regards the ideology of crime fiction; critically examine crime fiction in its social context; reflect on their own experiences of crime and justice through writing; show development in their research and writing skills; provide constructive feedback and analysis on the work of others

Synopsis Ever since Beccaria published On crimes and punishments in 1767, criminology has been a central field of study concerning public policy and crime control. Various academic disciplines and movements have been highly influential in the field and shaped its direction. The crime fiction discourse has shadowed the development of criminology and has developed a co-dependent relationship with it: writers of crime fiction draw on popular and academic criminology for stories, philosophies and themes. On the other hand, criminological theorists often position themselves (usually tacitly) with reference to the crime fiction which shapes experience of law and criminality. This subject explores the field of crime fiction as an alternative discourse of crime policy. The key criminological theorists will be examined alongside the popular crime writers of their era in an attempt to understand this complex interrelationship and dialogue.

Assessment Research essay: 30% Critical reviews: 30% Writing project: 30% Attendance log: 10%

Prescribed texts

The centre will produce a book of collected readings.
Second-year students must base their research on at least ten crime fiction texts.

Back to the 1999 Arts Handbook