Course Outline

CRM102 Understanding Crime

Course Coordinator:Nadine McKillop (nmckillo@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

Understanding the complex causes of crime is essential to developing just and effective responses to offending behaviour. This course introduces you to the main theories of crime developed over the last 250 years. The approach explains the origins of theories according to their social contexts. The course also develops your knowledge of the main critiques of these theories ' focusing on evidence and scientific verification, and the implications of different theories for criminal justice practice.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous online learning materials 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Face-to-Face Tutorial 2hrs Week 2 11 times
Seminar – Course Seminar 1hr Week 1 2 times
Online
Learning materials – Asynchronous online learning materials. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online tutorial 2hrs Week 2 11 times
Seminar – Course Seminar 1hr Week 1 2 times

Course Topics

Module 1: Introduction to Theory and Theory Testing

  • Role of Theory and Theory Testing

Module 2: Classical Criminology

  • Pre-Classical and Classical Theory: Classical Criminology and Deterrence Theory
  • The Neo-Classical Age: Rational Choice and Routine Activities/Lifestyle Theories

Module 3: Positivist Criminology

  • Biological & Biosocial, and Psychological perspectives
  • Social Process and Learning Theories (Learning, Social Bonding and Control perspectives)
  • Life-Course Perspectives of Criminality
  • The Chicago School (Social Disorganisation Theory)
  • Social Structural, Anomie and Strain Theories
  • Social Reaction and Critical Theories (Labelling and Reintegrative Shaming; Conflict, Marxist & Feminist Theory)

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 Identify and describe the origins and main concepts underpinning criminological theories. Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Explain the relevance of different theories to specific crime problems, using creative means of communication. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
3 Critique various crime theories from a scientific point of view and assess their potential impact on criminal justice policy and practice. Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged
4 Integrate different theories to explain specific crimes and crime patterns. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
5 Develop and support key arguments using evidence-based research and analysis Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
6 Demonstrate high-quality written and oral communication skills, including scholarly writing and reference practices. Empowered
Ethical

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

Not applicable

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

Interactive online quizzes are built into class activities from week 2 to assist you with learning and retaining key theoretical concepts taught throughout the course; and for you to bench mark your progress.

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 Oral Individual or Group 25%
5-7 minutes
Week 7 Online Submission
All 2 Essay Individual 40%
2000 words
Week 12 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 35%
2 hours
Exam Period Online Submission
All - Assessment Task 1:Multimedia-based recorded presentation
Goal:
The goal of this assessment is to produce a multimedia-based recorded presentation that demonstrates your knowledge and application of classical criminological theory.
Product: Oral
Format:
This task can be completed individually or in pairs. You are required to produce a pre-recorded 5-7 minute presentation (with script). You must demonstrate how the nominated classical theories explain a crime. This should include a critique of the theories. More information will be provided in tutorials and on CANVAS to help you prepare for your presentation.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Identification and accurate description of theoretical concepts
1
2
Application of theoretical concepts to explain a specific crime
2
3
Accurate critique of theory for explaining a specific crime and its implications
3
4
Quality and creativity of presentation to convey key messages
2
5
Support arguments using research literature
5
All - Assessment Task 2:Essay
Goal:
The purpose of this assessment task is to demonstrate your knowledge of positivist criminological theories and apply them to a specific crime problem. The goal is to demonstrate your ability to integrate and evaluate these theories to explain the crime and how this explanation might guide specific criminal justice responses.
Product: Essay
Format:
You are to produce a 2000-word academic essay that integrates three positivist theories covered in the course to explain a specific crime and identify how this translates to practice (i.e., preventing or responding to the crime problem).
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Accurate description of relevant concepts for each chosen theory
1 2
2
Integration of chosen theories to explain a crime specific crime and implications for criminal justice
4
3
Accurate critique of chosen theories in relation to one another and for explaining the specific crime
3
4
Appropriate synthesis of literature to support key arguments
5
5
Appropriate and effective structuring of arguments, clarity of expression and correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling
6
6
Support arguments using research literature
5
All - Assessment Task 3:Online Examination
Goal:
This end-of-semester exam allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and 
understanding of course materials covered throughout the semester.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
The exam is open book and administered online. Questions will be drawn from course materials covered during the semester. You will have 2 hours available to complete the task.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Accurate recall of course material indicated by correct answers on multiple choice questions
1 2 3 4
2
Systematic presentation of relevant knowledge addressing the nature and scope of the short-answer questions posed
1 3 4 5

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 Akers, R.L., Sellers, C.S., & Jennings, W.G. 2021 Criminological theories: Introduction, evaluation and application. 8th edition Oxford University Press.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

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