The aim of this course is to connect students with the important contributions made by modern economists into understanding crime and delinquency and its consequences, and system responses by criminal justice agencies. A number of important areas are reviewed including: (1) theories used by criminologists and economists to explain crime and delinquency; (2) modern prevention models; (3) specialised techniques used by economists in studying crime and delinquency; and (4) areas of substantive expertise where economists contribute to scholarship and crime and justice policy development. The course begins by introducing the conceptual foundations that underpin the course followed by an introduction into the economics of crime and enforcement. The various theories, perspectives and methods outlined in the early part of the course provide the necessary foundation for investigating topics such as organised crime, illicit drugs and alcohol and prohibition.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand how the various theories used by economists and criminologists discussed underpin crime prevention methods;
- explain how specialised economic techniques used to study crime and the criminal justice system can be applied to improve policy decisions;
- demonstrate an understand how theory, case study, history and data developed by and for economists are useful in developing safer communities; and
- explain and demonstrate how economic analysis has been useful in illuminating salient issues of interest to criminologists and government.
Indicative Assessment
- Major essay (3000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Online quiz (1 hour) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- End of semester exam, scheduled in the final examination period (multiple choice, short answer and short essay - 2 hours) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures, and 12 hours of tutorials; and,
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Albertson, K. & Fox, C. (2012). Crime and economics: An introduction. New York: Routledge.
Preliminary Reading
Becker, G. S. (1968). Crime and Punishment: An economic approach. The Journal of Political Economy, 76(2): 169-217.Becker, G.S., Murphy, K., Grossman, M. (2006). The market for illegal goods: The case of drugs. Journal of Political Economy, 114(1): 38-60.
Cohen, M. (2000). Measuring the costs and benefits of crime and justice Measurement and analysis of crime and justice (pp. 263-316): National Institute of Justice.
Cook, P. J. (1986). The demand and supply of criminal opportunities. Crime and Justice, 7(1): 1-27.
Cook, P. J. (1980). Research in criminal deterrence: Laying the groundwork for the second decade. Crime and Justice, 2: 211-268.
Cook, P.J., Ludwig, J., Venkatesh, S., Braga, A. (2007). Underground gun markets. Economic Journal, 117 (534): 588-618.
Ehrlich, I. (1996). Crime, punishment, and the market for offences. The Journal of Economic Perspectives, 10(1), 43-67.
Nagin, D., & Pogarsky, G. (2003). An experimental investigation of deterrence: Cheating, self-serving bias, and impulsivity. Criminology, 41(1), 167-194.
Reuter, P., & Kleiman, M. (1986). Risks and prices: An economic analysis of drug enforcement. Crime and Justice: A Review of Research, 7, 289-340.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $5700 |
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.
Summer Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1348 | 01 Jan 2022 | 21 Jan 2022 | 21 Jan 2022 | 31 Mar 2022 | Online | N/A |
