Course Outline

CRM101 Introduction to Criminology

Course Coordinator:Lara Christensen (lchriste@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Introduction to Criminology is concerned with the basic elements of the discipline of criminology. It provides a set of stepping stones to more advanced courses in the field, as well as providing interested students with a general overview. The course makes use of a wide range of case studies, as well as different types of statistical sources, to provide a picture of crime dimensions and trends in Australia and internationally. It also introduces students to issues of definition and measurement, theories of crime causation, and responses to crime in the areas of criminal justice and prevention.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial 2hrs Week 1 11 times
Learning materials – Online learning materials - self-paced material 1hr Week 1 11 times
Online
Learning materials – Online learning materials - self-paced material 1hr Week 1 11 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online tutorial 2hrs Week 1 11 times

Course Topics

  • Introduction (mature content)
  • Myths, Media & ‘Facts’ about Crime (mature content)
  • Defining and Measuring Crime (mature content)
  • Street Crime, Violent Crime & ‘Crimes Against Morality’ (mature content)
  • Prevalence, Victims & Offenders (mature content)
  • Role of Theory & Psychological Theories (mature content)
  • Sociological & Interactionist Theories (mature content)
  • White Collar, International & Internet Crimes (mature content)
  • Criminal Justice System: Police, Courts & Corrections (mature content)
  • Victims & Restorative Justice (mature content)
  • Crime Prevention (mature content)
  • Careers in Criminal Justice
  • Mature content may include Drug Use, Sex/Sexual references, Violence, Coarse Language, Adult themes

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Apply scholarly writing, research and reference practice in the field of Criminology. Knowledgeable
2 Explain and describe the key elements and theories of crime and criminal justice. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
3 Analyse the causes of crime and social impacts. Creative and critical thinker
Sustainability-focussed

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

JST102

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

You will be provided with feedback on your essay plan (Task 1), which will provide scaffolding for the essay (Task 2).

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Plan Individual 20%
850 words
Week 6 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Essay Individual 45%
2000 words
Week 10 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 35%
2 hours
Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Essay plan
Goal:
The purpose of this task is to create an essay plan, which is an outline of what will be discussed in your essay (Assessment Task 2) and obtain feedback to assist you in completing the essay.
Product: Plan
Format:
850-word outline plus reference list (reference list not included in word count). The topic, along with the points that need to be covered in the essay plan, will be placed on Canvas in Week One. The feedback you receive on your essay plan will help you further plan for the essay (Assessment Task Two).
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstration of knowledge: Addressing the nature and scope of the question posed.
2 3
2
Demonstration of academic research skills: Evidence of sound research and accurate and appropriate referencing of sources.
1
3
Demonstration of academic writing skills: Clarity of expression and correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling.
1
All - Assessment Task 2:Essay
Goal:
The purpose of this task is to analyse a real-life case in light of the prevalence and characteristics of the crime, along with the newsworthiness of the case. You will also explore how a psychological theory can assist in understanding the causes of the offending behaviour in the case.
Product: Essay
Format:
2000-word essay plus reference list (not included in word count). The topic will be posted on Canvas in Week One.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstration of knowledge: A presentation of relevant knowledge gained through the systematic analysis of source material.
2 3
2
Demonstration of academic analysis: Evidence of investigation of supporting literature and accurate and appropriate referencing of sources in support of your analysis.
1
3
Demonstration of academic writing skills: Appropriate and effective structuring of arguments, clarity of expression and correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling.
1
All - Assessment Task 3:Exam
Goal:
This end-of-semester exam allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of course materials covered from weeks 9-11.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
Short answer exam.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstration of knowledge: A systematic presentation of relevant knowledge addressing the nature and scope of the questions posed.
2 3
2
Demonstration of understanding: A logical application and evaluation of relevant knowledge to the questions.
2 3

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required HENNESSEY & PRENZLER HAYES (TIM.) 2020 An Introduction to Crime and Criminology 5th Edition Pearson

Specific requirements

Electronic devices (access to the internet required when completing some tutorial activities).

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct.

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au