PCE2070

Crime stories: criminology and crime fiction

Terry Threadgold and Scott Beattie

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Caulfield

Objectives On completion of this subject students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of criminological theory; understand the history and social context of the various traditions of crime fiction; explore the themes of current interest to the law and literature movement, particularly with regards to the ideology of crime fiction; critically examine crime fiction in its social context; reflect on their own experiences of crime and justice through writing; show development in their research and writing skills; provide constructive feedback and analysis on the work of others.

Synopsis This subject serves as a general introduction to the field of criminology. Those who are already familiar with the theoretical basis of criminology do not risk too much duplication and should still be able to find challenging materials and issues. Building on this basic knowledge, this subject explores the field of crime fiction as an alternative discourse. The key criminological theorists will be examined alongside the popular crime writers of their era in an attempt to understand this complex interrelationship. By the use of crime fiction, this subject encourages students to reflect on their own experiences of law and criminality to understand how they demonstrate and have been shaped by criminological theory.

Assessment Writing project (2000 words): 40%
* Essay (1000 words): 20%
* Research paper (3000 words): 40%
* Second-year students must base their research project on a study of at least ten texts.

Prescribed texts

To be advised