Course Title: Apply sociology concepts and principles to justice contexts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: JUST5711

Course Title: Apply sociology concepts and principles to justice contexts

School: 365T Global, Urban & 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

Tony Trevan, Program Co-ordinator
P: 9925 4512
E: tony.trevan@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 50

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:

VU20868 Apply foundation legal principles
VU20869 Work within the criminal justice system
VU20870 Apply writing and presentation skills within a justice environment
VU20871 Support the management of adult offenders within the Victorian correctional framework
PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

And ONE of the following electives:

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

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to apply sociological concepts to addressing needs of clients in justice environments who experience social inequalities or marginalization. Thereby your learning will include applying knowledge of Australian social and cultural contexts in planning and implementing processes in justice workplaces.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU20853 Apply sociology concepts and principles to justice contexts

Element:

1.Review key social theories and perspectives to explain the causes of social inequalities affecting justice services clients

Performance Criteria:

1.1Key aspects of foundation sociological theories are used to explain the development of powerful social agents and institutions in Australia.
1.2Individual, cultural and structural influences that affect social experiences of justice services clients are identified and debated
1.3Identify examples of marginalisation of special needs groups within the contemporary Australian justice environment utilising key aspects of later sociological theories.
1.4Apply major theoretical perspectives to explain social inequalities affecting justice services clients in Australia

Element:

2.Apply sociological theories to examine effects of social inequality on justice services clients

Performance Criteria:

2.1Describe the impacts of social inequalities and marginalisation on a range of specific client groups within justice environments
2.2Barriers experienced by specific client groups in accessing equitable treatment in the justice environments are identified and remedial strategies canvassed
2.3Sociological thinking is applied to critique current strategies for addressing specific needs of marginalised client groups in justice environments
2.4Findings are used to determine specific work to be undertaken and/or services to be provided

Element:

3.Monitor impact of social and cultural factors on justice clients and service provision within justice environments

Performance Criteria:

3.1Impact of work undertaken and/or services provided is monitored in line with sociological thinking
3.2Effectiveness of work undertaken and/or services provided in relation to identified social and cultural factors having impact on clients in justice environments is reviewed
3.3Revisions to work undertaken, and/or services provided, to better address social and cultural issues and to improve client outcomes, are made in consultation with relevant people


Learning Outcomes


On completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Apply sociological thinking to determine and implement work undertaken, and/or service provision, that addresses specific needs of marginalised clients in justice environments
• Monitor, and review for continuous improvement, of work undertaken and/or services provided
• Provide knowledge of major sociological theories and perspectives that explain causes and effects of social inequalities affecting clients in justice environments
• Provide knowledge of social thinking in developing approaches and strategies to address inequality and marginalisation experienced by special needs groups and others within justice environments and the broader society


Details of Learning Activities

•Students will participate in a variety of learning activities including: lectures, tutorials, class discussion, seminar presentations, group/individual work on projects, audio-visual presentations, field excursions where applicable, on site visits, and interaction with individuals and groups within the criminal justice area.
•Learning activities are designed to develop competencies in the following areas:
- applying sociological thinking to determine and implement work undertaken, and/or service provision, that addresses specific needs of marginalised clients in justice environments
- monitoring, and review for continuous improvement, of work undertaken and/or services provided
- knowledge of major sociological theories and perspectives that explain causes and effects of social inequalities affecting clients in justice environments
- knowledge of social thinking in developing approaches and strategies to address inequality and marginalisation experienced by special needs groups and others within justice environments and the broader society.


Teaching Schedule

Session One:
Week starting Starts 7th July Introduction and Overview of subject and explanation of assessment tasks

Session Two:
The History of Sociology and the Development of Social Theory

Session Three: Contemporary sociological theories & theorists

Session Four: Late modernity and knowledge test 1

Session Five: Social research

Session Six: Social identities

Session Seven: Youth transition and culture

Semester Break- No classes

Session Eight: Families and intimate relationships

Session Nine: Sporting life and knowledge test 2

Session Ten: Deviance and normalised behaviour

Session Eleven: Deviance and normalised behaviour-Group activity

Session Twelve: Class Inequity

Session Thirteen: Working 24/7

Session Fourteen: Urbanisation, community & rurality and knowledge test 3

Session Fifteen: Group presentation week 1

Session Sixteen: Group presentation week 2

The teaching schedule outlined above is subject to change depending on your assimilation of knowledge and skills of the subject matter, and on changes to legislation as well as unforeseen circumstances.

Attendance in this VET Justice Course is to help you develop a self-directed, professional attitude and to maximize your educational vocational opportunities and practical skills. Regular class attendance provides fundamental educational value and offers the most effective means for you to gain knowledge and skills of the concepts of the justice environment. Lack of regular attendance and participation may compromise your performance in the course and achieving the final outcome.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Public sociology : an introduction to Australian society
John Germov; Marilyn Poole. 2011.2nd ed., published by Allen & Unwin. Available for purchase from the RMIT City Bookshop in Little Latrobe St prior to the start of semester.
Additional recommended readings can be downloaded from the Learning Hub for this subject.


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including lectures, tutorials, class discussions, tests, reports, seminar presentations, group/individual work on projects, audio-visual presentations, field excursions where applicable, on site visits, and interaction with individuals and groups within the criminal justice area.


Assessment Tasks

All assessment tasks are based on the requirements of the performance criteria, range statements and the assessment guidelines of the course.
There are 3 assessable tasks in this subject, as follows:
1. Progressive knowledge tests (ungraded)
These knowledge tests require you to progressively demonstrate knowledge and skills confirming that you have an understanding of how to apply sociology concepts and principles to justice contexts.
To be completed weeks 4, 9 &14.
Note: all progressive knowledge tests and skills presentations are to be satisfactorily completed to achieve a graded result for the subject.

2.Sociological investigation report (graded) 50% - Students are to individually conduct a sociological investigation of one of the following social phenomena:
a)The footy field
b)The shopping mall
c)Gated communities
d)‘Rat runs’ (i.e. helping yourself to other people’s hard waste)
e)The night club
f)Art galleries
g)On-line communities
and then present their findings either in a 2000 word essay documentary, or photo essay. You must be sure to answer the following questions (use sub-headings if you wish) in this assignment:
-What is going on?
-What is the history of this phenomenon?
-Who is included?
-Who is excluded (in terms of race, age, gender, wealth, health, ethnicity, ability etc.)
-How do you explain the phenomenon in sociological terms (refer to at least one of the major theories covered in this subject)
Due Week 8 Monday 29th August.

3. Group Presentation (graded) 50%
- This assignment requires each group to analyse the concepts of ‘normality and deviance’ by exploring where and how ‘people like you’ live. Presentations will take place in Week starting 21st October & 28th October.
Both Classes 2A & 2B presentation will be on Monday 20th October.

NOTE:
All of the above assessment tasks must be completed satisfactorily to attain a graded result

Comprehensive assessment outlines will be issued and discussed with students in class/and or through Blackboard in Week One of the course


Assessment Matrix

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

Other Information

All written work must adhere to the following criteria:
1. Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
2. 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 cogently address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical, ordered and organised manner
3. The concepts must be well defined and demonstrate a critical analysis of the chosen topic
4. Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research
5. In-text references must follow the APA style of referencing. In addition, you must provide a bibliography with correct and comprehensive details in relation to texts, articles, research reports and other sources that you have used
6. 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.

Extensions
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 their 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.

Applying for an Extension
Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. An application for extension of time must be lodged with your tutor or the course coordinator as early as possible, and no later than one working day before the due date for submission.
You can apply for extension using the University’s Extension Application Form – http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf – or by emailing your course coordinator or tutor directly.
An extension of 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, tutors or the School. To apply for an extension of time greater than seven calendar days you must lodge an application for Special Consideration.

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 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.

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
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