Course Title: Research criminology and crime prevention for application to practice within justice environments

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: JUST5712

Course Title: Research criminology and crime prevention for application to practice within justice environments

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6124 - Advanced Diploma of Justice

Course Contact: Irene Pagliarella, Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4581

Course Contact Email: irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Michelle Noon
E: michelle.noon@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 80

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Successful completion of, or demonstrated equivalence to, the following units of competency:

VU20861 Apply criminal law within justice environments
VU20862 Work with family violence contexts within justice environments
VU20863 Work with culturally diverse clients within justice environments
VU20864 Work with conflict resolution and mediation processes within justice environments
VU20865 Apply management and leadership within justice environments

And ONE of the following electives:

LGACOM406A Investigate alleged breaches of legislation and prepare documentation
CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to apply crime prevention principles and strategies across a range of justice environments. You will be required to research and evaluate criminology theory and body of knowledge for appropriate application to practice across a range of justice contexts.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU20854 Research criminology and crime prevention for application to practice within justice environments

Element:

1. Research and review historical and current approaches to criminology

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Key vocabulary and theoretical framework of criminology are researched, critically analysed and discussed.
1.2 Theories of criminality, including patterns and social correlates of major forms of criminal behaviour, are researched, critically analysed and debated
1.3 Theories of victimology are researched, critically analysed and debated
1.4 Links between criminology and policy making are outlined and evaluated

Element:

2. Analyse crime in Victoria

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Nature, extent and patterns of crime internationally, in Australia and in Victoria are researched, compared and evaluated
2.2 Validity of crime statistics in reporting of crime are critically evaluated
2.3 Role of criminal profiling and its relevance to criminal investigation is analysed
2.4 Offender rehabilitation programs are investigated and evaluated

Element:

3. Research and review crime prevention strategies for application to practice

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Application of victimology theory to crime prevention strategies is critically analysed and debated
3.2 Application of key criminological theories to crime prevention strategies is critically analysed and debated
3.3 Crime prevention strategies relevant to own practice are formulated and applied in consultation with relevant people and according to organisational and legislative requirements
3.4 Application of strategies is reviewed to inform future practice


Learning Outcomes


On completion of the course, you will be able to:
• Research and critically analyse criminological theoretical framework and its application across a range of approaches to crime prevention
• Formulate and implement crime prevention strategies relevant to own justice environment
• Provide evidence of knowledge of criminology theoretical framework and its historical and contemporary application to crime prevention
• Provide evidence of knowledge of relevant international, Federal, State and local government legislative and statutory requirements and provisions


Details of Learning Activities

You will participate in a variety of learning activities in class. Your in class activities will incorporate simulated workplace scenarios, practical demonstrations and student-led group discussions that focus on problem-solving and knowledge building skills relevant to identifying and responding to applications of criminology and crime statistics. You will exemplify your contextualising of class topics, and validate your learning with in class participation and integrated synthesised activities that will be supported by extended topic research, readings and case studies.


Teaching Schedule

Week One: Introduction to the study of crime.
Discussion of course and expected outcomes,
Course Guides discussed and Assessment tasks distributed

Week Two: Early codes of Crime / The 18th Century Classical School
Micro exam

Week Three: 19th C positivist approach
Micro exam

Week Four: Late-19th C/early 20th C contributions
Micro exam

Week Five: Social and political approaches 1950s to now
Micro exam

Week Six: Newly emerging criminological theories
Micro exam

Week Seven: Validity of official crime statistics
Micro exam

Week Eight: Sources of crime statistics & Mad, bad or sad? Causes of crime & criminality
Summative Assessment

Week Nine: Typologies of crime
Summative assessment

Week Ten: Crimes against the person
Summative assessments- Oral group presentations

Week Eleven: Crimes against property, organized crime and public order crimes
Summative Assessments - Oral group presentations

Week Twelve: Victims

Week Thirteen Profiling

Week Fourteen: Crime Prevention

Week Fifteen: Crime prevention
Summative assessment due

Week Sixteen: Policy formation and summation

Week Seventeen: Revision

Week Eighteen: Revision

NOTE: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Attendance -
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

We expect that students engage in learning through a combination of lectures, individual reading and study, meaningful feedback on written work and structured activities that encourage critical thinking and the development of discipline specific knowledge and practical skills.

Students are active participants and this course prioritises learning by doing. It is essential that students take ownership of their studies and work on developing skills as independent learners in time allocated away from lectures and class time.

As a student you need to demonstrate both knowledge and practical skills relevant to the course content within the classroom environment. Engagement with educators and other students is critical to you maximising learning opportunities and achieving satisfactory results. Participation in classroom discussion and activities will allow educators to apply observational assessment during role-plays, exercises and assignments and provide you with feedback.

You will be required to sign an attendance sheet and if you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to advise your educator and complete any written tasks that may have been allocated.
Students are required to carefully plan and use their time productively and submit assessments as required. All assessments tasks should be researched and drafted well in advance of the set submission dates.

The course will use blended learning techniques, including; lectures, discussions, activities in class and learner directed activities supported by a range of resources available in class and on Blackboard system

Feedback - You will receive verbal and written feedback on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Student Progress - Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.






 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There is no prescribed text for this course. All required readings and case studies will be available in class as a hard copy.


References

White, R. & Haines, F. (2000). Crime and criminology: an introduction. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

Dubner, S. J & Levitt, S.D (2005). Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything. William Morrow and Co.


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including role plays, observations, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, reports, simulated scenarios, and audio-visual presentations.

 

Assessment

Assessment Type

Word limit or equivalent

Assessment One

Weekly micro-exams

 x 6

Assessment Two

Major Assessment; 3 components:

Statistics Assessment (10%)

Essay (25%)

Victimology Poster (10%)

2500 words

Assessment Three

Group Presentation

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=c15i3ciaq8ca


Assessment Tasks

Formative Assessment Tasks:

Classroom lectures are designed for interactive group discussion as well as an opportunity for progressive feedback, in order to accommodate and adjust student learning and their level of understanding.

Summative Assessment Tasks:

1. Weekly micro-exams x 6  (30%)
Summative tests support the content discussed in classroom delivery. To assess weekly content of the history of criminology and the sociology of crime, short-answer examinations will be administered.

2. Statistics assessment (10%)
An analysis of crime statistics will be delivered in the form of a take-home examination requiring a demonstration of your understanding and analysis of the validity of statistics.
Further detail will be provided in class in Weeks 7 & 8.

3. Major report  (25%)
Students are to consider a criminal case in light of at least two distinct crime theories. Theories to be used are from class topics discussed earlier in the semester, including the early codes of crimes and 18th Century classical school, 19th Century positivist approach, late 19th Century to early 20th century contributions, social and political approaches from the 1950s to now, and newly emerging criminological theories. You will be provided a contemporary criminal case to apply theoretical perspectives. Further detail will be provided by Week 4.

4. Group presentation   (25%)
Class presentations are to be provided by all students as part of the assessment of learning outcomes related to Substantive areas of offending behaviour – the aetiology of crime.
Further detail will be provided by Week 3.

Small groups will be formed to research and present an outline and discussion of a particular crime or crime group, with a focus on describing and explaining, what it is (both legal and other definitions), offender profile, correlates, patterns, risk factors, rates, attributions for behavior, other issues or factors and a case study or studies.

5. Victims of crime poster  (10%)
Students are to consider the victims of two criminal cases, and assess if they meet the criteria of Christie’s Ideal Victim. Posters should depict in theme the personal characteristics of ’victim’ and ’offender’, as well as the circumstances surrounding the crime, which influences society’s sympathy with the victim and giving them legitimate status.


Assessment Matrix

This is available via MyRMIT/Studies

The assessments have been designed to cover all Learning Outcomes and will be graded in accordance with RMIT’s Mark Table which is as follows:

CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did not Submit for Assessment

Grades which apply to course delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment (not-graded)

CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit For Assessment

Assessment deadlines
Any due date for assignments is to be considered a deadline. You can submit work at any time prior to the submission date, but it must be into the administration office by close of business of the day the submission is due.

Assessment format
All, educators in Justice VE will expect the following in written essay/research/reports and you must adhere to the following criteria:
1. For an ADVANCED DIPLOMA written assessment task/s – no less than 2500 words, 5 academic references and ONE in-text citation per paragraph.
2. A paragraph is usually between 200 – 250 words.
3. A sentence is usually between 20- 25 words.
4. American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style is the EXPECTED referencing style for Criminal Justice (VE).
5. We highly recommend that all students download a copy of the APA Referencing guide which is available on the Blackboard or purchase a Pocket Guide to APA Style from the campus bookshop.
6. APA Referencing system is to be used and all in-text citations must be recorded according to APA standards.
7. An academic reference is a scholarly source (journal articles that are peer reviewed, a published book, an approved government or organisation website etc.).
8. Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
9. It is expected that all submitted work will be well written, with clear and consistent grammar, expression and punctuation. It must be well structured and address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical ordered and organised manner.
10. Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research.
11. Double or 1.5 spacing and a font size of 10-12 must be used in either Arial or Times Roman. Do not submit double paged assessments.
12. All assignments to be submitted via the Drop Box (Building 37, level 2) and submitted via email to the Advanced Diploma email address to verify submission (advdipjusticeassignments@rmit.edu.au). Assessments must be submitted by 5pm (close of business).
13. Alternatively, your assessments may be uploaded into the assignment section of Blackboard as outlined in the assessment guideline provided to you by your Educator.
14. Written assessments will also be submitted with a Turnitin Report attached (as instructed by your educator).

Other Information

Other Information
Please refer to RMIT student page for extensive information for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students.

Extensions
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by a due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Special consideration, appeals and discipline.

In accordance with RMIT policy, you may apply for an extension where there have been unexpected or extenuating circumstances, e.g.

• Hospital admission, serious injury, severe asthma, severe anxiety or depression. This does not include minor illness such as a cold, period pain or hay fever.
• Loss or bereavement – e.g. death of a close family member, family/relationship breakdown.
• Hardship/trauma – e.g. victim of crime, sudden loss of income or employment, severe disruption to domestic arrangements.
You must keep a copy of your assessment until the graded submission has been returned or marks have been posted.

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT student email address.

An extension up to seven calendar days may be granted if good reason can be demonstrated. Include supporting evidence (such as medical certificates) with your application.

Extensions beyond seven calendar days cannot be granted by Course coordinators or individual educators.

Longer extensions

Extension of time longer than 7 days can only be granted through special consideration.

Other Information Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students.

Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.
For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Penalties for Late Submission
If you have not been granted an extension or special consideration, late submission of assignments will be penalised as follows:
Assessment tasks submitted after the due date of submission shall receive a penalty of five per cent of the grades available for that assessment per day for each working day late.
No assessment task shall be accepted more than three weeks after the due date.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:
• You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
• You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
• You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).
• Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism - RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity.

Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity

The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/info-trek/referencing

Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.

Examples of plagiarism include:
• Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
• Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
• Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
• Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
• Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
• Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
• Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
• Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.
For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 – and the RMIT Student Discipline Statute and Regulations - http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=11jgnnjgg70y

Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com

Course Overview: Access Course Overview