GSSA 1010 - Understanding Criminology

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

This course offers an introduction to the field of criminology by examining the nature of crime as well as exploring the main social theories that seek to explain why people commit crime. While the first part of the course briefly introduces the concept of crime, its social construction and various representations, the second component covers an array of broadly sociological arguments concerning possible explanations as to why crimes are committed, and how certain `deviant? acts become problematised. Topics covered in this latter section include criminological arguments drawing on Classicism, Biological and Psychological Positivism, Sociological Positivism, The Chicago School and Subcultural Theories, Interactionism and Labelling, Social Control Theories, Radical and Critical Perspectives, Realist Approaches, Contemporary Classicism and Feminism. Ultimately the question is posed whether the insights offered into the varied motivations to commit crime are practically useful in its prevention or reduction.

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Course Details

Course Code	GSSA 1010
Course	Understanding Criminology
Coordinating Unit	Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies
Term	Semester 2
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	3 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Andrew Hope

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1	Understand the conceptualisation and representations of crime.
2	Analyse the social, political and economic context of criminal activities.
3	Critically examine the major criminological explanations of crime.
4	Compare and evaluate explanations of crime.
5	Use criminological theory to offer explanations for criminal and deviant behaviours.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.	1-5
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	2-5
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	4, 5
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	2, 3, 5
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	1-5
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	1, 5
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	1, 2, 4

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Textbook: Newburn, T. (2012) Criminology. Cullompton: Willan.

Additional readings will supplement the textbook with relevant journal articles and items for discussion each week. These readings will be available in electronic form via MyUni.

Online Learning

Students will have access to recorded lectures and online discussion boards.

All students will receive announcements and assessment tasks via MyUni and it will contain links to the course library page and a list of useful web resources related to the course.

Learning & Teaching Modes

Lectures supported by problem-solving seminars developing material covered in lectures.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

2 x 1-hour lectures (or equivalent) per week	24 hours per semester
1 x 1-hour seminar (or equivalent) per week	12 hours per semester
4 hours reading per week	48 hours per semester
3 hours research per week	36 hours per semester
3 hours assignment preparation per week	36 hours per semester
TOTAL WORKLOAD	156 hours per semester

Learning Activities Summary

Lectures

1

Crime, Deviance and Criminology

2

The Criminological Imagination

3

Crime Data

4

Media Representations of Crime

5

Classical Criminology

6

Early Positivism and Criminology

7

Biological Positivism

8

Psychological Positivism

9

Sociological Positivism I: Durkheim and Criminology

10

Sociological Positivism II: Merton, Anomie and Strain

11

The Chicago School

12

Cultures and Subcultures

13

Interactionism and Labelling Theories

14

Social Control Theories

15

Radical and Critical Criminology

16

Realist Criminology

17

Contemporary Classicism I: Choice and Activity

18

Contemporary Classicism II: Situational Crime Prevention

19

Feminist Criminology

20

Cultural Criminology

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Task Type	Weighting	Learning Outcome
Test during seminar	Formative	0%	1, 2
Seminar attendance and participation	Formative and Summative	10%	1-5
2000 word essay	Formative and Summative	40%	1, 2, 4, 5
Take home exam	Formative and Summative	50%	2-5

Assessment Detail

Seminar attendance and participation (10%): students attend and participate in seminar discussion.

2000 word essay (40%): theoretical essay focusing upon a newspaper article of a criminal event .

Take home exam (50%): students will receive an exam paper from which they must complete three essay questions.

Submission

No information currently available.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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