CULT 1006 Crime, Deviance and Society (WSTC)

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Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 700156

Coordinator Paul Rouillon Opens in new window

Description This unit introduces the major approaches to the study of criminology and the sociology of deviance. It considers the ways in which social order is produced, maintained and transgressed from a range of perspectives, including the Chicago school, labelling and deviance theory, Marxism, feminism and queer theory. These perspectives are explored through a discussion of contemporary issues and controversies, such as crime in Western Sydney, the media and moral panic, the criminalisation of HIV transmission, Indigenous incarceration, and alcohol and drug abuse. The unit also addresses the politics of law and order and the resurgence of neo-liberalism in debates over crime and deviance.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Criminology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects CULT 1009 Introduction to Criminology CULT 1005 Crime Deviance and Society LGYB 0467 Introduction to Criminology (UWSC)

Restrictions Students must be enrolled at Western Sydney University, The College. Students enrolled in extended diplomas must pass 40 credit points from the preparatory subjects listed in the program structure prior to enrolling in this University level subject.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

Assess the major theories in the criminology and sociology of deviance.
Identify meanings and examples of key concept and theories.
Discuss the ways in which social norms, concepts of crime and deviance are socially and culturally constructed.
Demonstrate in written form the relevance of theories of crime and deviance to understanding contemporary social and political debates.
Apply research skills to select and evaluate sources for use in academic writing.

Subject Content

Deviance and positivism
The criminogenic city
Durkheim and strain
Youth and subculture
Radical deviance and labelling theory
Marxism, poverty and class
Feminism and critical masculinity theory
Ethnicity, race and post-colonialism
Culture and deviance as edgework
Sexuality, Foucault and disciplining bodies
Globalisation and neo-liberalism
Deviance and positivism
The criminogenic city
Durkheim and strain
Youth and subculture
Radical deviance and labelling theory
Marxism, poverty and class
Feminism and critical masculinity theory
Ethnicity, race and post-colonialism
Culture and deviance as edgework
Sexuality, Foucault and disciplining bodies
Globalisation and neo-liberalism

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.