Criminology 1 LAWS3342

The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.

Credit: 6 points Availability: Semester 1 Old unit code: 200.342

Outcomes: Students should have (1) a familiarity with the content and the methodology of criminology reflected in an awareness of the types of questions dealt with in criminology as well as the way these questions are approached; (2) a familiarity with the history of ideas in criminology and the main dimensions in criminological thinking; (3) an awareness of the major theories and positions taken in relation to understanding crime and its control; (4) an awareness of the major methodological problems in describing and explaining crime and criminal behaviour; (5) a familiarity with the major areas of current concern in the field of crime and justice such as the politics of crime, Aboriginal issues, media and crime, drugs and crime and juvenile offending; and (6) a familiarity with the major dimensions and issues in penology (the study of penalties).

Content: This unit provides an introduction to criminology in Western Australia. It begins with an examination of the history of criminology and the main dimensions in criminological thinking. Students become aware of the major theories and positions taken in relation to understanding crime and its control. The unit also focuses on the major methodological problems in describing and explaining crime and criminal behaviour such as the definition and measurement of crime.

Assessment: Students are required to complete a written essay (50 per cent) and a final examination (50 per cent).

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course.

Unit Co-ordinator(s): Dr David Indermaur

Location: UWA (Crawley)

Mode: on-campus

Unit Rules:

Prerequisites: LAWS1130 Legal Process

Contact hours—lectures: 3 hrs per week; field work: 15 hrs in a 3-week period to be advised

Unit Web Page: http://www.uwa.edu.au/page/101474

Note: Some unit web pages are still under construction and will be available in 2009.

Texts

Goldsmith, A. et al. Crime and Justice: An Australian Textbook in Criminology, 3rdÂ ed.:Â Lawbook Co. 2006

Lanier, M. and Henry, S. Essential Criminology, 2nd ed.: Boulder Co. Westview Press 2004

Recommended Reading

Chappell, D. and Wilson, P., eds Issues in Australian Crime and Criminal Justice:Â LexisNexis Butterworths 2005

Harding, R. et al.Â Aboriginal Contact with the Criminal Justice System:Â Hawkins Press 1995

Maguire, M. et al. The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, 3rd ed.:Â OUP 2002

Morris, N. and Rothman, D. The Oxford History of the Prison: The Practice of Punishment in Western Society:Â OUP 1995

Tonry, M., ed. The Handbook of Crime and Punishment: OUP 1998Â

Vold, G. and Bernard, T. Theoretical Criminology, 5th ed.: OUPÂ 2002Â

White, R. and Haines, F. Crime and Criminology: An Introduction, 3rd ed.:Â OUP 2004

Winfree, L. T. and Abadinsky, H.Â Understanding Crime Theory and Practice,Â 2nd ed.: Thomson Wordsworth 2003

Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studysmarter.uwa.edu.au/). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.

Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.

Lectures

Commence in week 1

Unit Resources

Unit Materials (This course is run through WEBCT and unit materials are only available to enrolled students)

Unit Coordinator

Name: David Indermaur

Office: Crime Research Centre

Tel: 6488 3840

Email: david.indermaur@uwa.edu.au