Course Title: Introduction to Criminal Justice

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Criminal Justice

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

JUST2273

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Robin Cameron

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2721

Course Coordinator Email: robin.cameron@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 37.4

Course Coordinator Availability: Contact via Canvas


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In this course, you will be introduced to the inter-disciplinary field of criminal justice and the three arms of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, adjudication, and corrective services.  You will study the history, purposes, policies, and functions of the public service agencies that make up the Australian criminal justice system. You will consider how the criminal justice system, and the laws it enforces, are a function of government and the public policy decisions taken by government representatives. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

In course you will develop the following program learning outcomes: 

  1. Effectively apply the principles, theories and philosophies of the criminal justice system in practical contexts 
  2. Reflect on and implement ethical practice and social responsibility in diverse criminal justice settings  


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Discuss the key processes and policies of the criminal justice system, its agencies and their efficiency as a key component of social governance; 
  2. Identify a range of perspectives related to the history, development, purposes and functions of key criminal justice agencies; 
  3. Investigate individual components within the criminal justice system, and their relationship to the other components that form this system; 
  4. Explain contemporary developments in the criminal justice system and evaluate these in respect to social justice outcomes; 
  5. Describe how criminal justice involves public policies that are developed within the political framework of the democratic process.  


Overview of Learning Activities

This course is delivered through a blend of learning activities, which may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, videos and student led discussions. Group work will offer the opportunity for you to develop deeper learning by sharing perspectives, clarifying and interpreting the material 


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be given access to a wide range of resources through a Course Reader or textbook when prescribed and online learning tools and content through the Canvas student portal, myRMIT, and RMIT Library resources. You will have the opportunity to contribute collectively to class resources by sharing your own research findings and sources with your peers. 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks 

    Assessment Task 1: Reflections, 20% CLO1  

    Assessment Task 2: Essay design, 30%, CLO1, CLO2, and CLO4 

    Assessment Task 3: Essay, 50%, CLO1, CLO3 - CLO5 

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 Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.