76012 Criminology
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2017 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 70218 Criminal Law OR 70114 Criminal Law and Procedure
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject introduces students to the study of criminology, a multidisciplinary field that focuses on crime. Criminologists draw from a range of disciplines including sociology, psychology, science, law, philosophy, politics, cultural studies and history to study the construction of crime, the causes of crime, crime prevention, community responses to crime, and the impacts of criminalisation and criminal behaviours on individuals and communities. In this subject, students explore the research of various theorists and scholars and in particular focus on analyses of the impact of various factors such as ethnicity, race, gender and sexuality on the commission of crime and the criminal justice system's response to crime.
Students use classical, contemporary and emerging theories in order to consider why and how crimes are constructed and occur, and the nature of just and innovative responses to criminal offending. The multidisciplinary nature of criminology means that criminologists utilise a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to investigate these issues. The subject contextualises criminological theory through field trips, research and debate as well as analysis of contemporary and evolving issues such as 'one punch' legislation and lock-out laws, corporate and state crimes, and hate crime. Students also complete their own research project, applying relevant criminological theory to a crime issue of their choosing.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Identify, analyse and apply a range of theoretical approaches in order to investigate and critically reflect upon contemporary issues relating to the nature and causes of criminal behaviours and state responses to offending. |
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| 2. | Critically evaluate a range of research methods used in criminological research. |
| 3. | Conduct effective research by locating and evaluating multidisciplinary scholarship and apply that research to investigate a crime and/or criminal justice issue. |
| 4. | Construct clear, critical and persuasive written and oral arguments that are substantiated by empirical research. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes:
- Critical Analysis and Evaluation
A capacity to think critically, strategically and creatively including an ability to identify and articulate legal issues, apply reasoning and research, engage in critical analysis and make reasoned choices. (3.0) - Research skills
Well-developed cognitive and practical skills necessary to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues. (4.0) - Communication and Collaboration
Effective and appropriate communication skills including highly effective use of the English language, an ability to inform, analyse, report and persuade using an appropriate medium and message and an ability to respond appropriately. (5.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
Strategy 1 (independent learning)
Student learning outside the classroom is an essential learning strategy for this subject. Students read prescribed materials (see Program) and reflect on the wider issues raised in these materials prior to coming to class. Additional readings are available on UTSOnline (under Subject Documents) and the UTS library database. Students are strongly advised to go beyond the prescribed readings particularly if they wish to specialize and pursue particular theories further. Students have the opportunity to ask questions of their peers and teacher to assist them in consolidating their own learning.
Strategy 2 (engaging in seminars)
Through interactive discussion and small group activities students develop skills to synthesise material quickly, formulate a critical analysis, listen and share information. Students test their understanding of the prescribed reading by: asking and responding to questions; developing their own perspectives and offering opinions; engaging in debates; and providing constructive feedback to peers in class discussion. Seminars are designed to model critical thinking, including the development of argument and close textual analysis of various theoretical approaches in a range of legal, cultural and historical contexts. Students practise these critical thinking skills through discussion, debate and activities that involve students working in small groups applying theories to contemporary issues such as the ‘one punch’ and lock-out laws.
Strategy 3 (preparation and support for writing theoretical essays)
Students develop research skills through sourcing and critiquing a range of empirical evidence and developing an annotated bibliography and essay. To practise their research skills and develop their research topic students prepare and submit an annotated bibliography on their selected crime or criminal justice topic, with a review of a selection of relevant academic literature. Students are provided with written feedback about the appropriateness of the selected topic and about the efficacy of particular research strategies and approaches.
The research essay process enables students to focus on a topic and to apply methodological approaches appropriate to criminological research to explore criminal justice issues.
Strategy 4 (field trip)
Students observe legal policy in practice through a visit to a NSW correctional centre. Students are shown around the centre by a corrections officer and have opportunities to ask questions about the facility. Students may also have an opportunity to speak with prisoners and observe a range of activities undertaken by prisoners. This field trip enables students to make important connections between the theoretical knowledge they are learning in the subject and real life. Students reflect upon and critically evaluate the role of a prison and their responsibilities as invited visitors in this sensitive environment through pre- and post-class discussions guided by a reflection template (available on UTSOnline) and they apply relevant aspects of their learning to their own research project.
Strategy 5 (feedback)
Students receive ongoing feedback in seminars from their teacher as well as their peers. Students should be using their class participation as a means to test their understanding of theories and relevant issues covered in the subject. This feedback is available to students from Week 1 and provides opportunities for students to develop their capacity to present oral arguments. In Week 3, students participate in a class activity that involves students analysing the components of a criminological theory and applying analytical framework to topical issues. This activity provides students with oral feedback about their ability to analyse and apply a theory as well as construct an effective argument. Students also receive written feedback via UTSOnline on their annotated bibliography which is due early in the session. Feedback provides students with the opportunity to reflect upon and develop their ability to construct an effective argument, write clearly and persuasively and communicate complex concepts. Students can continue to develop these skills through their writing of a final essay. Students also receive written feedback on their final essays via UTSOnline to improve their research essay writing in the future.
Subject Delivery
Teaching will be based on weekly 3-hour seminars.
Content (topics)
THEME 1
A. Introduction to Criminology
The first seminar will set the scene and tone for the subject. You will be introduced to the subject of criminology and an overview of future seminars. We will spend much of this class talking through subject objectives, expectations (yours and mine), assessments, introducing ourselves and discussing our personal interests and experiences with Criminology. This will no doubt raise questions, which we can answer through discussion.
B. Research in Criminology
Criminology draws its theoretical frameworks and research tools from a wide range of professional disciplines and institutions, including law, sociology, chemistry, psychology, medicine, psychiatry, political science, political economy and cultural studies. This seminar will be devoted to a broad examination and discussion of the nature of criminological research and how various theorists and practitioners engage with the discipline.
THEME 2
A. Classical and Positivist Explanations
This seminar details foundational criminological explanations for criminal behavior within their historical contexts. We will look at classical (legal, rational choice) and biological and psychological positivist (determinism) theories of crime causation. By the end of this seminar, students should begin to appreciate the virtues of a multidisciplinary approach to criminological theory. Students are encouraged to consider modern examples of these theoretical approaches.
B. Structural explanations: Marxism, Strain and intersectionality
In this seminar we consider the theoretical shift from a focus on individual criminality to social causes of crime, with a particular focus on Indigenous Australians. Since the beginning of white settlement in Australia, one of the key points of intersection between European Australians and Indigenous Australians has been the criminal justice system. Arrest and incarceration rates for Indigenous people far exceed those for other ethnic groups. This seminar attempts to understand why.
THEME 3
A. Labelling theory and moral panic
Law and order issues are salient in the Australian Community and false beliefs about crime are common. What does this mean for political rhetoric concerning crime and how does this influence policy and decision-making? Issues such as policing, punishment, and media representations of crime will be analysed and related to the criminological theory regarding 'moral panics'.
B. Discussion: ‘One punch’ and lock-out laws
The recent ‘one punch’ legislation and so-called ‘lock-out laws’ in Sydney have generated significant debate about personal freedoms and responsibilities. This debate highlights the role that crime statistics as relayed through the media can play in debates such as this. This discussion aims to look at all sides of the debate. You are encouraged to read widely on this issue before class and to be able to substantiate your position.
THEME 4
A. Crime prevention
Crime prevention is a major area of research in criminology with highly practical implications. This seminar details the theoretical and practical approaches employed to prevent crime.
B. Victimology
The field of victimology has developed since the 1960s in response to the perceived inadequacy of the criminal justice system to the plight of victims. This seminar details theoretical approaches and recent practical responses by the government to victims' needs. One of the great difficulties in this area is balancing the needs of victims with the civil rights of other citizens, particularly offenders.
THEME 5
A. Prisons I: from panoptics to banoptics
This seminar provides an historical perspective and analysis of the purpose of prisons; their utility and efficacy at various times throughout history and a discussion of the moral ideal of ‘correction’ in the lead up to the prison visit in Week 7. At the same time, we will look into various surveillance theories and their significance – from Bentham’s ‘panopticon’, to Bigo’s ‘ban-opticon’.
B. Prisons II: The ‘new’ penology
This seminar focuses on the political economy implications of incarceration and what Feeley and Simon have called ‘actuarial justice’. They argue that this ‘new’ penology has shifted focus away from the traditional concerns of the individual, and redirected them towards the actuarial consideration of aggregates. What are the implications of this shift and is it incompatible with the legal, rational actor model outlined in Week 2?
THEME 6
A. Feminisms
Feminists were the first with a discourse of otherness to seek to explain crime from an ideological standpoint. This seminar explores this progression and examines the role of women in the criminal justice system, both as victims and offenders.
B. Masculinities: Discussion – Sydney Gay Hate Crimes
This seminar focuses on the relatively recent theoretical analysis of the relationship between masculinity and crime. We will discuss male victims of sexual violence; in particular the spate of what have become known as ‘gay hate crimes’ in Sydney in the 1980s and 1990s.
THEME 7
A. Corporate and white-collar crime
This seminar considers corporate crime from theoretical and practical perspectives. The reading from Croall provides an introduction to issues associated with corporate crime. Students are requested to provide examples of corporate criminality for discussion in this seminar.
B. State crime: Discussion – Lessons from ICAC
Students will be required to apply theories of corporate crime and state crime to the allegations in recent ICAC hearings on corruption by Eddie Obeid.
THEME 8
A. Environmental crime
Environmental crime or ‘eco-crime’ has become a significant area of academic pursuit in recent years within criminology. This is due in part to the advocacy of the climate change movement, but also to the depth and seriousness of global environmental harms, and the destruction of eco-systems and species. We will look into a range of environmental harms associated with ‘green’, ‘brown’ and ‘white’ issues.
B. Republican Theory and Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice offers a radical critique of the criminal justice system. But more than this, it offers an alternative to
the established system. This seminar will examine the issues and research around Restorative Justice.
THEME 9
A. Cultural Criminology
Cultural criminologists challenge the assumptions underlying much of mainstream criminology. Through exploring ‘the many ways in which cultural forces interweave with the practice of crime and crime control in contemporary society’, they emphasise ‘the centrality of meaning, representation, and power in the contested construction of crime’ (Ferrell et al 2008:2). This seminar will take us back to the beginning of the subject as we reflect on our own interpretations and understandings of crime, and in light of the ‘nothing works’ refrain from the Martinson (1974) reading in Week 7.
B. Review
In this seminar we will review the main topics from the subject through various activities designed to help you cement the criminological knowledge you have acquired.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Class Participation
| Intent: | Class participation focuses on the conversation and discussion that help students to develop their understanding of the theories that they apply to critically evaluate research. Students practise communicating ideas in public and develop critical thinking skills. |
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| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1 and 2 This task contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes: 3.0 and 5.0 |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 2: Annotated Bibliography
| Intent: | This is designed to help students get to grips with the literature used in this subject and to assist them in preparation for the essay (Assessment Task 3). |
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| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2 and 3 This task contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes: 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 1500 words excluding footnotes |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment task 3: Research Essay
| Intent: | This is designed to provide students with a significant opportunity to explore in depth a criminological issue of their choice. |
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| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 3 and 4 This task contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes: 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 |
| Weight: | 60% |
| Length: | 2,500 words |
| Criteria: |
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Required texts
White and Perrone (2015), Crime, Criminality and Criminal Justice, Melbourne: Oxford University Press. This textbook provides a comprehensive analysis of criminology and the criminal justice system, which puts the theory we will be studying into context. It has an Australian focus, which will allow you to readily make connections between theory and practice. In addition to the required readings from the text book, I urge you all to dip into the other sections of the book to round out your understanding of criminology and the criminal justice system.
In addition to the required readings from the textbook, there will be primary theoretical and empirical research readings. You are expected to read and digest the required readings before class to ensure that you can make the most out of class discussion and contribute to robust debate. Note: There are additional Highly Recommended and Recommended reading lists below. I cannot encourage you all enough to read widely and deeply in order to be able to write with authority on your chosen topic and to get the most out of the subject.
Recommended texts
The following texts are recommended as additional information on the theoretical perspectives on criminology that will be covered in the unit. Information in these sources is not examinable.
Highly recommended:
- Crofts, Penny (2013) Wickedness and Crime, Oxon: Routledge
- Anthony, Thalia & Cunneen, Chris (eds) (2008) The Critical Criminology Companion, Sydney: Hawkins Press
- Graycar, Adam & Grabosky, Peter (eds) (2002) The Cambridge Handbook of Australian Criminology, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
- White, Rob, Haines, Fiona & Asquith, Nicole (2012) Crime and Criminology, Melbourne: Oxford University Press
- Ngaire, Naffine (1997) Feminism and Criminology, Sydney: Allen and Unwin
- Maguire, Mike & Morgan, Rod (eds) (2012) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, Oxford: Oxford University Press
- Weatherburn, Don (2004) Law and Order in Australia: Rhetoric and Reality, Sydney: Federation Press
- O’Tool, Sean & Eyland, Simon (eds) (2005) Corrections Criminology, Sydney: Hawkins Press
- Larcombe (2005) Compelling Engagements: Feminism, Rape Law and Romance Fiction, Sydney: Federation Press
- Haigh, Gideon (2006) Asbestos House, Victoria: Scribe Publications
- Collins, Jock, Greg Noble, Scott Poynting and Paul Tabar (2000) Kebabs, Kids, Cops and Crime: Youth, Ethnicity and Crime, Sydney: Pluto Press
- Ferrell, Jeff, Hayward, Keith & Young, Jock (2008) Cultural Criminology: an invitation, London: SAGE
- Hogg, Russell & Brown, David (1998) Rethinking Law and Order, Annandale: Pluto Press
- Jewkes, Yvonne (2011), Media and Crime: a critical introduction, Los Angeles: SAGE
- Braithwaite, John (1989) Crime, shame and reintegration, Sydney: Cambridge University Press
- Cohen, Stan (1985) Visions of Social Control, Cambridge; Polity Press
- Garland, David, (2001) The Culture of Control: Crime and Social Order in Contemporary Society, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Recommended:
- Adler Criminology McGraw Hill
- Bridges Criminal Justice Pine Forge Press
- Brown and Wilkie (eds) Prisoners as Citizens, 2002, Federation Press. Carrington Offending Girls, 1993, Allen and Unwin
- Chappell and Wilson (2000) Crime and the Criminal Justice System in Australia: 2000 and Beyond, Butterworths
- Croall, Understanding White Collar Crime, Open University Press, 2001
- Crutchfield Crime Pine Forge Press
- Cunneen and White (2002) Youth and Crime in Australia, Oxford Uni Press Cunneen (ed) (1997) Faces of Hate Hawkins Press
- Decker and Van Winkle (1996) Life in the gang Cambridge Criminology Series
- Dixon, A Culture of Complaint: Changing An Australian Police Service, Hawkins Press
- Downes D, Rock P, (1995) Understanding Deviance. Oxford Press
- Easteal, Less Than Equal, Butterworths
- Etter, Palmer Police Leadership in Australia (1995) Federation Press
- Graycar and Morgan, The Hidden Gender of the Law, (2002) Federation Press
- Hooper, Chloe, (2009) The Tall Man, Penguin
- Leaver Investigating Crime Law Book Co
- Lees Ruling Passions Allen and Unwin
- Lewis, Complaints Against Police: The Politics of Reform, Hawkins Press
- Lilly, Cullen and Ball Criminological Theory (1995) Sage
- Mawby Critical Victimology Sage Miller Police Ethics Allen and Unwin
- Muncie et al, Criminological Perspectives: A Reader, Sage, 1997
- Muncie, Youth and Crime, Sage, London, 1999.
- Rafter et al. (1995) International Feminist Perspectives in Criminology Open University Press
- Russell Women, Madness and Medicine Allen and Unwin
- Settle (1995) Police Informers Federation Press
- Smart (1989) Feminism and the Power of Law Routledge
- Tyson (2013) Sex, Culpability and the Defence of Provocation, Routledge
- Vold, Bernard and Snipes (2002) Theoretical Criminology, Oxford Uni Press
- Walker Dangerous People Blackstone Press
- Weis Juvenile Delinquency Pine Forge Press
- Young Imagining Crime (1996) Sage
Other resources
Useful websites:
Australian Institute of Criminology: http://www.aic.gov.au
Weblaw: http://www.weblaw.edu.au/display_page.phtml?WebLaw_Page=Criminology
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research: http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au
