Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit critically analyses contemporary developments in policing both by and beyond the state. Australian and international examples are utilized to explore major issues related to the history, development and implementation of policing and security. Topics are explored through the prism of human rights, civil liberties, social control, crime control, crime prevention, accountability and the role of the state. Issues covered include the significance of police training and recruitment, police culture, brutality and corruption, private policing, paramilitary policing, undercover policing, policing diverse communities, policing post-conflict societies and transnational policing.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the subject, students will have developed:

1. a critical awareness of the origins of policing
2. a critical awareness of contemporary trends in policing and the governance of security
3. an understanding of the various theories and models of policing and the police role in society
4. the skills to critically analyse historical and contemporary debates regarding the role and function of policing
5. an ability to present a fluid and logical argument about the role of police and policing in society
6. the ability to formulate ideas about the role and nature of policing in different societies, countries and over time, based on evidence and theory
7. an understanding of the factors influencing the different models and forms of policing

Assessment

Examination (2000 words): 40%; Group Project (250 words): 10%; Research Essay (2000 words): 40%; Tutorial Participation (250 words): 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Sharon Pickering

Contact hours

1 one hour lecture and a one hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Criminology

Prerequisites

CRI1001 Understanding Crime CRI1002 Criminal Justice in Action: Police, Courts and Corrections These subjects are prerequisites only if students wish to undertake a Criminal Justice and Criminology major. The subject can be taken as an elective without prerequisites.

Prohibitions

CJC3015/CRI3015