Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

The unit covers the aetiology and principles of management of commonly occurring antisocial 'problem behaviours' : violence, stalking, uttering threats, sexual offending, fire-setting, and abnormal complaining. Based on psychological and criminological theory of such behaviours a framework is presented, then applied to each specific behaviour. The role of mental disorder in the genesis of such behaviours is considered incorporating the multiple psychological and social factors involved. Students will gain a theoretical understanding and develop a pragmatic model for working with a broad range of perpetrators in an ethical and evidence-based fashion.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Apply a structured evidence-based approach to common problematic antisocial behaviours, which incorporates both individually-based and situationally based variables;
2. Describe the epidemiology, social impacts, common perpetrator characteristics and high-risk situational contexts for the commission of common problem behaviours (stalking, issuing threats, pathological complaining, fire-setting, sexual offending, violence);
3. Outline the key principles involved in managing such behaviours, including cognitive, behavioural, psychiatric and legal approaches;
4. Describe the role of mental disorders in the aetiology of common problem behaviours; and
5. Explain the broader societal factors involved in the commission of such behaviours and, conversely, the impact of such behaviours on public safety and well-being.

Assessment

Workshop presentation - 10%
Applied Learning Exercise - 30%
Essay - 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Troy McEwan

Off-campus attendance requirements

One-day workshop on campus