Crime is a fascinating subject. The number of books, movies and television programmes devoted to it attest to people's interest in the problem. So too does the extensive and often sensational coverage that crime receives in the media. But, as this subject reveals, crime is a complex issue. While studying towards a major in criminology and criminal justice, you will learn that it is considerably more complex than the superficial and romanticised portrayal it often receives in fictional writings and the media.
The study of criminology and criminal justice will equip students who have an interest in deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation - and communities in general - with the knowledge needed for creating and maintaining a safe society.
Crime and victimisation have severe consequences for the sustained development of a society, the economy and ecology. This subject provides expert knowledge to deal effectively with crime, conflict and victimisation and to promote a democratic and just society with a human rights perspective as set out in the South African Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Availability
Criminology and criminal justice is offered in the Bachelor of Social Science at Monash South Africa as a major or a minor.
Outcomes
In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of their course, students successfully completing this major will be able to:
- Apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge of both criminology and criminal justice, including the nature, extent, causation and prevention of crime.
- Explain the causes and consequences of criminal behaviour and the operation of the criminal justice system, including the implications for victims, offenders, justice professionals and society as a whole.
Minor requirements (24 points)
No more than 12 points at level 1 may be credited towards the minor.
Students complete*:
- Two level 1 gateway units (12 points):
- AZA1281 Explaining crime: Theory and practice
- AZA1282 Introduction to criminal justice
- Two additional units (12 points) from those listed under (b) of the major. It is highly recommended that students complete a level 2 unit before enrolling in a level 3 unit.
Major requirements (48 points)
No more than 12 points at level 1 may be credited to a major and at least 18 points must be credited to the major at level 3.
Students complete:
- Two level 1 gateway units (12 points):
- AZA1281 Explaining crime: Theory and practice
- AZA1282 Introduction to criminal justice
- Two level 2 units (12 points) chosen from:
- AZA2436 New media and cyber cultures
- AZA2461 Crime and punishment*
- AZA2470 Victimology in South Africa*
- AZA2719 Theoretical perspectives in political and social thought
- Four level 3 units (24 points) chosen from:
- AZA3453 Research fundamentals
- AZA3463 Criminal behaviour in South Africa: A psychosocial approach
- AZA3466 Women and crime: Damsels in distress
- AZA3467 Child justice: Human rights, law reform and socio-criminology of deviance
- AZA3468 Forensic criminology: Victim and offender profiling
Note: Where students undertake an inter-campus exchange, the minor or major can be comprised of a mix of units available at their home campus and the exchange campus.
Free electives
In addition to the major or minor, the following recommended units below can be completed as free electives in Part C of 4086 Bachelor of Social Science:
- AZA3259 Geographical information systems (GIS): Planning and decision making
- AZA3737 South Africa and African social justice
- AZA3744 School of Social Science workplace internship
Successful completion of the minor or major can be counted towards meeting the requirements for the following single degree:*
- 4086 Bachelor of Social Science
Students in other single bachelor's degrees may be eligible to complete the minor or major by using 24 or 48 points of their free electives.
