76012 Criminology

6cp
Requisite(s): 70217 Criminal Law OR 70218 Criminal Law
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are also course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Undergraduate
Subject coordinator: P Crofts

Criminology is the study of the social constructions of crime. It explores why people commit crime from a theoretical and sociological perspective: are people born criminals? Do social inequalities create criminals? Can we fine tune our legal system to discourage people from committing crimes? Do the criminal justice system's responses to crime have an impact on the crime rate? If the legal system labels someone a criminal will they become a criminal permanently?

Ideas about why people commit crimes have an impact on how we might go about preventing crime. This area of criminology considers whether or not we can prevent crime through opportunity reduction or educational campaigns.

The subject of Criminology also considers how we should respond to crime. Various penal theories, such as deterrence, retribution and rehabilitation are considered.

Students consider the implications of criminological theories for particular population groups. For example, students analyse the impact of the policing of public space upon young people and their relationship with the legal system.

The subject aims to encourage students to think critically about the social construction of crime and to interrogate assumptions about crime.

Fee information

2008 contribution for post-2008 Commonwealth-supported students: $1,062.38
Note: Students who commenced prior to 1 January 2008 should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth Supported places.

2008 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,544.00

Note: Fees for Postgraduate domestic fee-paying students and international students are charged according to the course they are enrolled in. Students should refer to the Annual Fees Schedule.

Subject EFTSL: 0.125

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.