GEND 2020 - Gender and Crime

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

Why are mass shootings mostly conducted by young men? Why are victims of rape questioned about their clothing and behaviour, and why are conviction rates for sexual assault so low? Why do men commit more crime than women, and why is this gap shrinking? How is family violence gendered? Why are we fascinated by female serial killers or suicide bombers? Why are so many young Aboriginal men in prison and why is so little being done about this? Why is there so much debate about whether abortion or sex work should be criminalised? What forms of sexual relationships or behaviours have been defined as criminal? This course draws from concepts in gender studies & masculinities studies, feminist thought and queer theory, to undertake a critical, interdisciplinary approach to gender, sexuality and race in law, crime, and the criminal justice system. We begin by exploring the ways gender and crime are socially constructed, and move on to explore contemporary case studies and debates, looking at the varied ways in which our social expectations about gender and our social definitions of crime interact to create gendered versions of criminal activities, and gendered responses to those activities. Considering both social realities and cultural representations of crime (eg: TV shows), we will explore the relationships between different kinds of masculinities (as a tool for understanding men and criminal behaviour), femininities, and crime. This will include studying the ways in which racialised identities, sexualities, and social class intersect with gender to produce different forms of crime, often with differing outcomes and far-reaching impacts on people?s lives.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEND 2020
    Course Gender and Crime
    Coordinating Unit Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of Level I undergraduate study
    Assessment Online quizzes 25%, Participation 10%, Presentation 25%, Research Essay 40%
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Megan Warin

    Course Coordinator: Dr Anna Szorenyi
    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Recognise and analyse the influence of constructions of gender/sexuality on definitions/practices of crime, and vice versa.
    2. Recognise and analyse the intersectional aspects of gendered crime, as it interacts with identities and experiences of social class, sexualities and race/ethnicity.
    3. Comprehend and critically evaluate a contemporary issue, debate or cultural representation of crime.
    4. Work constructively with others to research, present and discuss a case study related to gender and crime.
    5. Write an independent argumentative essay, which responds to a set question and is supported by appropriate scholarly evidence, within identified timeframes.
    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    4

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1, 2

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    2, 3

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    A list of weekly set readings will be offered online via MyUni’s Course Readings system. Further readings and resources will be suggested on MyUni. Digital resources, library resources, essay writing guides, study guides, referencing, IT support and TURNITIN will also be available.
    Online Learning
    All weekly lectures will be posted online via Canvas. Podcasts, videos, padlets, and discussion boards will be available on the course MyUni modules.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is delivered using online learning and activities, and collaborative, shared learning in face to face weekly tutorials.
    Workload

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

    WORKLOAD - STRUCTURED LEARNING
    1 x 2-hour lecture (or equivalent OL learning/digital activity) per week 22
    1 x 1-hour discussion board (or equivalent) per week 11

    WORKLOAD – SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING TOTAL HOURS
    6 hours reading per week = 72 hours per semester
    3 hours research and assignment preparation per week = 36 hours per semester
    1 hour group assignment meeting/discussion per week = 12 hours per semester

    TOTAL = 156 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    Online: All lectures for this course are online and can be watched in student's own time each week. Lectures will present critical overview
    of course material, introduction to key concepts and case studies of contemporary and historical events to illustrate weekly learning.

    Face to face:Tutorials are in person each week. Tutorials include extended group and self-guided learning, via discussion, case studies, peer research, collaborative problem-solving, independent and group projects and activities.

    You will have an opportunity to chose an OpEd topic (see assessment detail) and to work collaboratively in small groups to present an informed analysis of the topic. Guidance and support will be provided with your presentation from your tutors.

    Independent:
    Reading of scholarly texts and research reports
    Independent library and digital research on a chosen topic
    Team work in small groups
    Developing skills in writing essays.
  • Assessment

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

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

    Assessment Summary
    ASSESSMENT TASK TASK TYPE WEIGHTING COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
    Three Online quizzes (1100 words equivalent) Summative 25% 1, 2, 3
    OpEd Presentation (700 words equiv) Formative and summative 25% 1, 2, 3, 4
    2500 word OpEd Portfolio Summative 40% 1, 2, 3, 5
    Tutorial/discussion participation Formative and summative 10% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Tutorial participation is compulsory – students may miss two tutorials during semester, but any further absence will result in a fail grade for participation. Students with an Access Plan exempting them from attendance requirements will be required to demonstrate their ongoing engagement with tutorial materials via a negotiated alternative.
    Students are required to work actively and professionally in their team for the presentation assignment, and will be asked to document this
    through a range of supportive activities, and self and peer evaluation.
    Assignment extension procedure and late penalties will be in line with University policy and must be sought before the due date. Assignments submitted more than one week late without an extension will not be marked.
    Assessment Detail
    Three Quizzes: Students will complete three online quizzes across the course based on our learning. Each quiz will be open for 48 hours and consist of 10 questions. 

    Group Presentation: Students will work on a specific project related to Gender and Crime across the semester in small groups. Each group will present a 5 minute OpEd pitch (Opinion Piece you might find online), enabling you to develop a fun, informative, creative and persuasive presentation on a contemporary topic that you are passionate about. The marks for this pitch will consist of your group work, your format of presentation, and the persuasiveness of your pitch. You will be formatively assessed by your peers as well as your tutor. Full details about this presentation will be delivered in class and you will be carefully supported with group milestones and scaffolded learning in this task.These group presentations are designed to assist you in your final write up of your OpEd project (an individual piece of work that allows you to really dive into your topic).

    The OpEd portfolio: Students complete an OpEd portfolio based on their group work across the semester. This will consist of 3 written sections - the OpEd story, supporting scholarly evidence, and a reflective piece. Detailed instructions will be delivered in class and can be accessed on MyUni. This is an individual piece of work.

    Participation in tutorials and on-line is on-going across the course.
    Submission
    All assignments submitted are to be submitted online via the MyUni course site.
    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.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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