191-422 Women, Gender and Crime

37.5 points of second/third year criminology subjects for third year. Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in criminology, gender studies or sociology.

This subject is an analysis of the criminalisation and victimisation of women through the study of contemporary debates in feminist criminology. Topics will include the nature and extent of female crime and victimisation; theories of female crime; social definition of, and responses to, such behaviours; the construction of gender in legal and criminal justice discourse; and masculinity and violence. Students completing the subject should have developed a knowledge of the nature and extent of female crime and victimisation; have an awareness of contemporary debates in feminist criminology; and have a capacity to think and write critically about the centrality of gender to analyses of criminal justice policies and programs.

• have highly developed cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;

• have an advanced understanding of complex concepts and the ability to express them lucidly in writing and orally;

• have sophisticated awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications;

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

An essay of 4000 words 100% (due at the end of semester). Fourth year students will complete an essay of 5000 words 100% (due at the end of semester).