Controversies in Crime Control provides students with an introduction to the crime control field from a sociological vista.This course examines the social functions of deviance and explores the various strategies of securitization - e.g. private security growth, criminalization of mundane behaviours and social groups, hardening crime control legislation, mass surveillance and incarceration, etc. - emerging in response to what commonly is perceived as the 'crime crisis'. We consider the key issues associated with the identification and management of social problems and contemplate how behavioural disobedience, as a moral resource, is purposefully exploited for political and commercial ends. Using a set of case studies (or crime control 'controversies') as evidence, students will address the following key questions:

- How are social problems defined and policed?
- To what degree is public understanding of crime culturally mediated and influenced by specific rhetorics?
- Which groups and interests effectively dictate crime control policies and criminal justice system agendas?
- What are the social consequences of intensifications in criminalization processes and securitization projects?

Overall, this course equips students with the appropriate knowledge, acuity and research skills to understand and engage the contemporary crime control landscape from a critically informed perspective.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Discern the political and economic interests influencing the crime control landscape.
2. Critically evaluate the social impacts and resonances of contemporary crime control interventions.
3. Analyse struggles between governing authorities and governed populations.
4. Apply theoretical perspectives used by sociologists to explain in original ways crime control processes, specifically theories of risk, power, capitalization, spectacle and struggle.
5. Undertake and assess research in the field of crime control, including the use of census data, attitudinal surveys, content analysis, participant observation and interviews.
6. Evaluate complex ideas lucidly and critically, orally and in writing.
7. Demonstrate a capacity to formulate an opinion-editorial piece which engages critically with a contemporary crime control policy, measure or practice.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is founded on Associate Professor Gavin Smith's 17 year research program which has looked at the politics of crime control and the policing of everyday life. Students will be expected to draw on primary research that has been conducted in the crime control field as well as conducting their own independent research on various aspects (e.g. theoretical, empirical and policy). The course is designed to introduce some key ideas and issues and invite students to develop their own research interests that could inform honours projects or graduate studies.

Required Resources

These are all provided to course participants.

Recommended Resources

Newburn T. and Rock, P. 2009. The Politics of Crime Control: Essays in Honour of David Downes. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Arrigo B. and Sellers B. 2021. The Pre-Crime Society: Crime Culture and Control in the Ultramodern Age. Bristol: Bristol University Press.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Please note, this is a course which looks at criminological processes and issues from a distinctly sociological perspective. Therefore, students who have had no familiarity with the discipline of sociology might find the content and format challenging.

The information provided is a preliminary Class Outline. All updates, changes and further information will be uploaded on the course Wattle site and will not be updated on Programs and Courses throughout the semester. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Course Convenor.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Policing the Risk Society	No tutorials in Week 1
2	Media and Crime Control	Tutorials commence focusing on content from Weeks 1-2
3	Governing through Crime	Tutorial tasks on the Governing through Crime notion
4	The New Penology	Tutorial tasks on The New Penology notion
5	Splintering Crime Control I: Privatisation	Tutorial tasks on privatisation of crime control processes
6	Splintering Crime Control II: Scientisation	Tutorial tasks on crime science and Assessment 1 due on 29 August 2022
7	Case Study 1: Indigenous Policing	Tutorial tasks on Indigenous Policing controversy and Assessment 2 Group Presentation A
8	Case Study 2: Domestic Policing	Tutorial tasks on Domestic Policing controversy and Assessment 2 Group Presentation B
9	Case Study 3: Border Policing	Tutorial tasks on Border Policing controversy and Assessment 2 Group Presentation C
10	Case Study 4: Nightlife Policing	Tutorial tasks on Nightlife Policing controversy and Assessment 2 Group Presentation D
11	Case Study 5: Transit Policing	Tutorial tasks on Transit Policing controversy and Assessment 2 Group Presentation E
12	Case Study 6: Bodily Policing	Tutorial tasks on Bodily Policing controversy and Assessment 2 Group Presentation F
13	Semester 2 Exam Period	Assessment 3 preparation
14	Semester 2 Exam Period	Assessment 3 Take-home Examination due November 9 2022

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to tutorial classes so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/timetabling.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Research essay	30 %	29/08/2022	26/09/2022	1-7
Group presentation	20 %	*	*	1-7
Take-home examination	50 %	09/11/2022	*	1-7

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Given the dialogical nature of the lectures, students taking this course are asked/expected to attend. Students are also expected to read, as a bare minimum, each of the weekly core readings, actively participate in lectures and tutorials, and conduct at least 94 hours of independent study. It is the responsibility of students to regularly access Wattle and their ANU email accounts in order to plan and prepare in advance of classes.

Examination(s)

This course has a take-home examination as a key assessment component.

Assessment Task 1

Research essay

Students are required to select ONE essay question from a predefined list below and incorporate ideas, examples and knowledge from the course and from the relevant criminological literature to develop a coherent, informed and persuasive argument. Students will also be expected to complete their own critical research on related criminal justice system programs, processes and practices to augment, evidence and supplement their responses. They will need to read widely to substantiate and illustrate the claims they make.

The rationale for this assessment is to get students engaging critically with the course content and to develop their own understandings of the issues raised. It is designed to enable students to select a topic of interest and to conduct some preliminary research, be that through analysing statistics, policy documents, media accounts or criminological studies, and integrate examples/evidence into their account. It is also designed in a way that enables students to formulate their own argument using core topics and concepts of contemporary criminological concern.

Research essay questions:

1. How have risk frameworks impacted on contemporary crime control practices and/or criminal justice processes?
2. What are some of the key circumstances and factors that have brought about a 'criminology of the self'?
3. What according to critical criminologists are the contemporary functions of the neo-liberal prison?     
4. According to critical criminologists, how does the media impact on the crime control landscape?

Word limit: 2500

Presentation requirements: A double-spaced and word-processed copy of this assessment task must be submitted electronically on Wattle via the appropriate Turnitin link on the specified due date. The default referencing style adopted for CRIM6003 written work is Harvard. Do not use footnotes or endnotes. Students are expected to adhere strictly to the word limit set for each assessment task, although leniency will be shown to those either over or under by a maximum of 10%. If your work exceeds the 10% quota, it will accrue a 10% penalty.

Estimated return date: 26/9/2022

Hurdle Assessment requirements: Students must attempt this assessment to be eligible to pass the course.

Assessment Task 2

Group presentation

Students will be allocated to a week (encompassing weeks 7—12) and group of four in the first half of the course. They will then work collaboratively to provide a critical response to a general topic question that draws on primary research they have conducted on the given crime controversy.

The analysis they perform will take the form of a group oral presentation (of approximately 20-mins) to the tutorial class and tutor during weeks 7—12. Please note that once allocated into class groups, students will be expected to exchange emails and make contact with their co-presenters to arrange meet ups and a suitable division of labour for the group presentation. Please note that this is NOT the job of the course coordinator to organise or oversee. The presentation style and format is entirely up to the group to determine.

The mark allocated for the group presentation will be distributed to each individual student for this assessment item, so if a group receives a mark of 70, this is the same grade awarded to each individual student. The grade will be calculated according to the team’s ability to provide a logical, lucid and persuasive argument based on an informed and nuanced analysis of the topic, and their capacities to make sound connections to content covered in the course.

Thus, a group will be assessed according to:

• how well they can summarise complex ideas and link theories to practices of crime control in everyday life
• the level of understanding demonstrated in terms of the concepts, issues and debates being discussed
• the extent and quality of supportive evidence provided in the argument developed
• how clear, well structured/organised and engaging the presentation is
• the extent to which the group provided a critical analysis and/or offered interesting/innovative ideas and approaches

The use of handouts, overhead bullet points and/or the whiteboard is highly recommended and utilising such resources in sophisticated ways to convey the desired message is likely to accrue extra marks. Excessive reading of notes is strongly discouraged, so too over-reliance on video clips. The groups will have their presentations recorded and will be asked to submit their presentation notes via Turnitin subsequent to the presentation to ensure ideas and concepts are accurately acknowledged and referenced.

In essence, groups are being asked to:

• formulate and explain their perspective on a crime control controversy in a way that is critically informed, conversational and illuminative
• capture the audience’s imagination, stimulate class discussion and effectively lead the ensuing tutorial

Hurdle Assessment requirements: Students must attempt this assessment to be eligible to pass the course.

Assessment Task 3

Take-home examination

The take-home examination will evaluate students’ general knowledge and understanding of the key issues, debates and ideas covered in the Module II topics (i.e. Weeks 7—12 inclusive).

You will be asked to answer TWO questions from a list. Each question is designed to:

(a) measure your understanding of a general crime control controversy covered in Module II (i.e. why is the issue of criminological interest and significance? What are the key debates that animate and distinguish different approaches to the topic? How can criminological research and concepts help with explaining the problem and bringing it to public attention? What types of criminological analysis have been applied and what are their relative strengths and weaknesses?)

(b) assess your ability to critically apply and evaluate key concepts, support contentions with evidence derived from the appropriate criminological literature and from everyday life, write clearly/proficiently and structure, formulate and develop a logical argument, etc.

The take-home exam paper will be made available to students before Week 12 to clarify any questions and support assessment preparation.

Word limit: 3500

Presentation requirements: A double-spaced and word-processed copy of this assessment task must be submitted electronically on Wattle via the appropriate Turnitin link on the specified due date. The default referencing style adopted for CRIM6003 written work is Harvard. Do not use footnotes or endnotes. Students are expected to adhere strictly to the word limit set for each assessment task, although leniency will be shown to those either over or under by a maximum of 10%. If your work exceeds the 10% quota, it will accrue a 10% penalty. Late submissions of this assessment will not be accepted.

Estimated return date: Not applicable.

Hurdle Assessment requirements: Students must attempt this assessment to be eligible to pass the course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Students' work will be returned with either written or verbal feedback on Wattle. The return dates are specified above and in the assessment instructions on Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Students are not permitted to resubmit assignments.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students