191-422 Women, Gender and Crime

Usually 37.5 points of second/third year criminology subjects for third year, or 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. The subject begins by considering feminist interventions in criminology, and the contributions made by studies in masculinity and violence, and critical race feminism. These issues will be examined by way of a series of case studies. Topics will include young women as offenders; women and imprisonment; sexual and domestic violence and the criminal justice system; when women are violent; and international feminist perspectives on violence against women. 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 for an understanding of crime, 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).

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop