Course Title: Digital Criminology: Crime and Justice in Digital Society

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Digital Criminology: Crime and Justice in Digital Society

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

There is a set text for this course.


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

INTE2079

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2015

INTE2079

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 2 2008,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2016,
Sem 1 2019

INTE2400

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2019

Course Coordinator: Dr Gregory Stratton

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3021

Course Coordinator Email: gregory.stratton@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 37.4.14B

Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

The infusion of digital technology into contemporary society has had significant effects for everyday life and for everyday crimes. Digital Criminology: Crime and Justice in Digital Society is an interdisciplinary scholarly investigation extending beyond traditional topics of cybercrime, policing and the law to consider the implications of digital society for public engagement with crime and justice movements. This course seeks to connect the fields of criminology, sociology, legal studies, politics, media and cultural studies in the study of crime and justice. Drawing together intersecting conceptual frameworks, Digital Criminology examines conceptual, legal, political and cultural framings of crime, formal justice responses and informal citizen-led justice movements in our increasingly connected global and digital society. This course draws on real world examples such as crime selfies, networked hate, state and corporate surveillance as well as #activism and justice movements.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on the impact of digital technologies on crime and justice;
  • Identify existing laws, regulations and policies and describe their effectiveness in addressing harms committed in the digital environment;
  • Demonstrate a comprehension of key concepts of digital criminology to the understanding of harms in 
  • Communicate effectively in a written format, drawing on criminological and legal research into digital crime.


In this course, you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on key concepts and contemporary issues within Criminology in local and international contexts
  • Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to effectively solve a range of Criminological problems or issues associated with crime management and the justice system
  • Communicate effectively using appropriate formats, media and styles to diverse audiences in Criminology and the criminal justice sector


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning activities feature online lectures followed by seminar activities (either online or face-to-face) focusing on group-based discussion and problem solving tasks. Course learning materials will be made available in a range of formats, which may include lectures, guest speakers and online media.

 

In order to develop your knowledge and skills, you will be expected to participate in interactive discussions and activities and to critically engage with the weekly reading materials. The workshops offer a supportive learning environment where you will have the opportunity to share your knowledge and experiences, and to learn from the knowledge and experience your peers. This peer-based learning may take place through small-group discussions, collaborative work on activities and assessments and/or peer reviewing of research, written work and/or oral presentations.


Overview of Learning Resources

The set text for this course is:

Powell, Stratton & Cameron. 2018. Digital Criminology: Crime and Justice in Digital Society (Routledge).

It is available in hard copy from the Campus Book Store or in full electronically from the RMIT Library.

 

You will be given access to a wide range of resources through weekly set readings, available online via the course site and RMIT Library, as well as a wide range of online learning resources and extended content. These resources will include book chapters, journal articles, media articles, lecture notes, bibliographies for supplementary reading, video, and links to external websites.


Overview of Assessment

 

 Assessment

 Assessment type  Word limit or equivalent
Assessment one  Weekly reflections  400 words (x5), 50%
Assessment two  Research essay  2000 words, 50%

You will be assessed on how well you meet the learning outcomes of this course and on your development against the program capabilities. Assessment may include online quizzes, academic skills exercises, presentations, reports, essays, and collaborative problem solving. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

  • If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
  • A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
  • Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment