191-101 Crime and Causation

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 introduce students to the various ways of defining, measuring and explaining crime. Students will learn about legalistic and harm based approaches to defining crime; formal and informal ways of measuring criminal behaviour; and biological, psychological and social accounts of crime within particular contexts (in the home, on the streets, in corporations). Theories of crime will be taught using relevant "real world" examples ranging from motor vehicle theft to terrorism.

• an understanding of key criminological concepts and the contexts within which they might be used;

• a basic capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;

• basic cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;

• the ability to plan workloads 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).

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester.