Undergraduate - UnitATS2470 - Victimology in South Africa

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Notes

Synopsis

This unit entails an introduction to victimology with an exposition of the concepts victim/survivor, empowerment, prevention and redress with reference to various schools of thought and current scholarly debates. Victimisation is studied within a domestic and comparative context focusing on the socio-economic, political and cultural dimensions of victimisation. Within a human rights framework, analyses refer to the abuse of power, institutional and structural victimisation and victim/offender homogeneity, sequences and victim recidivism. Through the application of victimisation theory and perspectives to particular contexts, victimisation vulnerability is assessed.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Understand the study field of victimology.
2. Apply knowledge of criminal victimisation theories and perspectives/approaches to particular contexts.
3. Demonstrate the ability critically to assess victimisation risk and to develop victimisation vulnerability profiles.
4. Critically appraise the impact of criminal victimisation on individuals, society, the ecology and economy.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of empowerment strategies for survivors of crime.
6. Use appropriate science and technology effectively and responsibly when dealing with victimisation without harming society, the environment or individuals.
7. Work and communicate with others as members of multi-disciplinary teams to deal effectively with victimisation.

Assessment

Written essay (1600 words): 35%; Tutorial assessments (450 words each): 20%; Written examinations (2hours): 45%.

Contact hours

One X 2hr lecture and one X 1hr tutorial session/week

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

Criminology

Prerequisites

ATS1281 and ATS1282

Prohibitions

ATS3470