191-101 Perspectives on Crime and Criminals

Formerly available as 191-001. Students who have completed 191-001 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

The aim of this subject is to provide students with an overview and understanding of the diverse and competing interpretations regarding the criminal act, the nature of people who engage in offending behaviour, the situations and contexts within which crime is defined and takes place, and the explanations put forward for the causes and consequences of crime in society. It provides an examination of the major theoretical perspectives in criminology, and the techniques used to measure, classify and define crime and criminality.

• have the capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;

• have cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;

• understand complex concepts and express them lucidly;

• have the ability to plan work and to use time effectively.

An oral presentation 10% (due during the semester), a 2000 word essay 40% (due during the semester) and a 2-hour examination 50% (held at the end of semester).

• R White & F Haines, Crime and Criminology: An Introduction. (3rd ed) Oxford University Press 2004.