ATS1421 - The complexity of crime - 2019

The unit introduces students to the complexity of crime as a social phenomenon and maps key theoretical frameworks that have been advanced to explain crime and deviance. The unit requires students to engage their 'criminological imaginations' to understand the causality of crime and the infraction of social norms and values. The unit begins by examining how deviancy and crime is socially constructed. Various theoretical perspectives that have been developed to try and explain crime and deviancy will then be explored. Beginning with the classical school of criminology the unit presents how understandings of criminal behaviour have developed and advanced. The unit critically engages students with the theories presented; and teaches students to critique their value, utility and explanatory power in contemporary society.

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

1. demonstrate foundational understanding of key definitional and methodological challenges associated with studying of crime;
2. describe the features of key criminological theories;
3. apply criminological theories to real world situations, both local and global in nature;
4. evaluate the strengths and weakness of key criminological theories.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Bachelor of Criminology

Criminology