Course Outline

CRM103 Punishment and Corrections

Course Coordinator:Emily Moir (emoir@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

You will be introduced to key issues and developments in official responses to offenders. This includes the history and theories of punishment, including the evolution of prisons and punishment in Australia. You will also examine modern correctional systems, the social costs and benefits of imprisonment, and the personal impacts of incarceration. In addition, you will examine processes of rehabilitation, probation, parole and partial release. Issues such as indigenous incarceration, deaths in custody and the treatment of offenders with mental illnesses will be analysed.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Weekly online learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – 2 hour tutorials in Weeks 1-13 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Online
Learning materials – Weekly online learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Tutorial 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Theories of punishment, History of corrections in Australia, Custodial corrections, Community corrections, Offender rehabilitation and reintegration, Understanding and addressing Indigenous over-representation, Youth justice, Special populations (mature content applies to every course topic)

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 key historical changes in social views and practices regarding punishment. Knowledgeable
2 Outline and explain the main contemporary processes involved in addressing offending behaviour. Knowledgeable
Empowered
3 Critically analyse the arguments in contemporary debates in corrections. Knowledgeable
Empowered
4 Identify the specific needs of different correctional population groups. Knowledgeable
Ethical
5 Apply scholarly writing, research, and reference practice Empowered

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

Formative activities will be undertaken in preparation for Assessment Task 1. This will include experiential learning activities, peer review and feedback.

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 Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece Individual 30%
Approximately 300-500 words.
Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Essay Individual 40%
2000 words
Week 11 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 30%
2 hours
Exam Period Online Submission
All - Assessment Task 1:Pamphlet
Goal:
This assessment task requires you to design a pamphlet on the history and practices of a historical Australian prison. The task is also intended to provide you with early feedback.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific, and Written Piece
Format:
This is an individual assessment item where you will create a pamphlet with a standard referencing requirement. You are encouraged to be creative in the design of your pamphlet and include photos and figures. Further details are given on the course site, including a list of prisons for you to choose from.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrated knowledge about punishment and correctional practices at a selected prison
1
2
Analyse key elements in the theory and evolution of punishment and corrections as they relate to the selected prison
1 2
3
Comprehensive research
5
4
Effective communication and design
5
All - Assessment Task 2:Major Essay
Goal:
The purpose of this essay is to assess your knowledge of contemporary correctional processes in addressing offending behaviour, and to critically analyse associated contemporary debates and issues in corrections.
Product: Essay
Format:
This is an individual assessment item, in a standard essay format, with standard referencing required. Further details will be given in class and on the course site, including the essay topic.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Describes the selected correctional approach
2
2
Analysis of the theoretical underpinnings and effectiveness of this approach
2 3
3
Synthesise and critically discuss specific issues related to contemporary corrections
2 3
4
Comprehensive research to support the analysis
2 3 5
5
Effective communication and referencing
5
All - Assessment Task 3:Exam
Goal:
Demonstrate understanding of core course concepts.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
This task will take the form of an online exam in individual mode. You will be required to respond to  a set of questions in a paragraph format. Open-book.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
You will be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of content covered throughout the semester.
1 2 3 4

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.

Schedule

Period and Topic Activities
Topic 1
Introduction to course
Theories of punishment
History of corrections in Australia
Topic 2
Custodial corrections
Topic 3
Community corrections
Topic 4
Offender rehabilitation and reintegration
Topic 5
Understanding and addressing Indigenous over-representation
Topic 6
Youth justice and special populations

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
Recommended Michael Cavadino,James Dignan,George Mair,Jamie Bennett 2020 The Penal System 6th edn SAGE Publications Limited

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