This course will introduce students to the canon of criminology and map the key theoretical frameworks that have been advanced to explain crime and deviance. The course will encourage students to engage their ‘criminological imaginations’ to understand the causality of crime and the infraction of social norms and values.
The course will begin by examining how deviancy and crime is socially constructed. We will then explore the various theoretical perspectives that have been developed to try and explain crime and deviancy. Beginning with the classical school of criminology that emerged in the late 18th Century, the course will document how understanding of criminal behaviour has developed and advanced. Subcultural theories and the labelling of individuals as ‘deviant’ will be examined, alongside an appreciation of how Marxist readings can help explain social inequality and the links between poverty and the criminal justice system. The course will require students to critically engage with the theories presented; and to critique their value, utility and explanatory power in contemporary society. Examples and research will be drawn upon throughout the course to bring to life the application of the criminological canon.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:- Demonstrate developed ‘criminological imaginations’ to gain understanding of the social construction of deviance and crime.
- Demonstrate gained knowledge of the key theories explaining criminal behaviour.
- Critique the value and utility of different theories and approaches to the understanding of crime and deviance in contemporary society.
- Source relevant research publications on crime and justice, and interpret that information appropriately.
- Articulate and critique complex theories in a succinct and comprehensible manner.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how society responds to deviance and crime and how the criminal justice system reacts to and impacts upon different individuals and groups.
Indicative Assessment
Seminar Presentation of approximately 10 minutes (10%) [Learning Outcomes 3, 4, 5]Participation (10%) [Learning Outcomes 1 and 5]
Critical Synopsis and Essay Plan (40%) (1500 words) [Learning outcomes 2,3,4,5]
Essay (40%) (3000 words) [Learning Outcomes 2, 3, 4, 6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
One lecture of 2 hours and one tutorial of 1 hour each week for 13 weeks over the semester. Students are expected to undertake a further 7 hours of independent study each week (total of 130 hours).Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for this course. Set readings will be provided via Wattle.If students wish to access a book to aide study, recommended texts include:
• Bernard et al (2010) Vold's Theoretical Criminology. (6th Ed). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• White and Habibis (2007) Crime and Society. Oxford: Oxford University Press
• Williams (2008) Textbook on Criminology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $2718 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3876 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3978 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
