Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should have (1) been introduced to modern criminological thought by reference to contemporary issues and problems; (2) developed an awareness of the contributions the biological, psychological and social sciences make to an understanding of the processes by which crime is defined, laws are broken and communal reactions to breach of the criminal law are shaped; and (3) developed library and empirical skills in criminological research.
Synopsis This subject aims to introduce students to modern criminological thought by reference to contemporary issues and problems. Students will be encouraged to undertake independent research using the extensive resources of the criminology collection in the Law Library. Topics to be discussed will be drawn from the following: methods of criminological research; ideology and crime; theories of crime and criminal behaviour; the sociology of criminal law; legal and medical models; imprisonment and prison reform; motoring offences; organised and white collar crime; sexual offences; victimology and crime prevention. Other topics may be added in response to new developments.
Assessment Two written research assignments (4000 words each): 40% + Class presentation/participation: 20%