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ATS1421: Understanding crime

Faculty of Arts

Understanding crime

Check the Handbook for the latest unit information.

Overview

In the unit, you will consider crime as a social phenomenon and map key theoretical frameworks that have been advanced to explain crime and deviance. You will engage your 'criminological imagination' to understand the causes of crime, and significantly, which people are most likely to come into contact with the Criminal Justice System. Various criminological theories which advance an understanding of crime and criminality underpin the range of topics presented in this unit. These perspectives interface with real world scenarios, demonstrating the links between ‘theory’ and ‘reality’ and the applicability of key theorists in the 21st century. To further your understanding of Criminology’s potential to drive change, this unit is underpinned by a social justice perspective, focusing on humanitarianism and human rights.

Assessment

1 - Analytical exercise - 15% 2 - Analytical exercise - 15% 3 - Analytical exercise - 15% 4 - Analytical exercise - 20% 5 - Essay - 35%

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.