Credit Points 10

Coordinator Paul Rouillon Opens in new window

Description This subject introduces students to the development of criminology as a framework for analysis and offers a critical introductory insight into various applied institutional and legislative contexts through which criminal justice occurs. Students will consider the ways in which deviant and/or criminal behaviour is defined and how the legislative and policy responses to crime operate at the level of Police, Courts and Corrections as well as the communities in which they operate. By the end of this subject, students will consider a crime or deviance issue and reflect on current practice. Students will gain skills in assessing criminal justice issues holistically through a critical lens.

School Western Sydney The College

Discipline Criminology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in an existing Diploma program at WSTC.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this subject, students will be able to: 

1. Identify relevant criminological and sociological theories of deviance.
2. Identify key concepts in criminal justice.
3. Define the ways in which deviance and crime are socially and culturally constructed.
4. Explain some advantages and disadvantages of the contemporary Australian criminal justice system in relation to community, police, courts, and corrections. 
5. Identify an example of a crime or deviance problem and reflect on benefits and drawbacks to a current response.

Subject Content

1. Constructions and theories of deviance and crime at biological, psychological, social and environmental levels.
2. Relevant concepts and principles of criminal justice – such as rule of law, criminal responsibility, democratic policing and principles of sentencing.
3. Pillars of the modern criminal justice system: Police, Courts & Corrections.
4. Critical review of responses to deviance, crime and injustice.
5. Theory to practice: opportunities to improve.