Course Title: Research criminology and crime prevention for application to practice within justice environments
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2014
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. |
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 |
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 |
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. They include the following:
In class activities:
• Lectures
• Class discussions
• Critical analysis of media and public documentation
• Demonstrations
• Presentations
• Group work
• Peer review
• Oral and written questioning
• Case studies
• Tests
• Excursion
Out of class activities:
• Readings
• Short answer questions
• Specific research tasks
• Group work
• Research
• Study for examination
• Investigation of cases
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
Formative assessment
Week Eight: Sources of crime statistics
Formative assessment
Week Nine: Victims
Summative assessment 3 part 1 due
Week Ten: Mad, bad or sad? Causes of crime & criminality
Week Eleven: Crimes against the person
Summative assessments- Oral group presentations
Week Twelve: Crimes against property
Summative assessments- Oral group presentations
Week Thirteen: Organized crime and public order crimes
Summative assessments- Oral group presentations
Week Fourteen: Profiling
Summative assessment 3 part 2 due
Week Fifteen: Crime prevention, Policy formation and summation
Formative assessment
Week Sixteen: Crime Prevention continued /Revision
Week Seventeen: Revision
Week Eighteen: Summative Assessment 3 part 3 due
*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
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. |
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
All assessment tasks are based on the requirements of the performance criteria, range statements and the assessment guidelines of the course.
• Formative assessments 1 and 2 are research reports based on the performance criteria of the applicable elements.
• Students will have the opportunity to receive feedback and make adjustments/improvements to the areas they are not competent in as a form of ongoing monitoring of their progress
• Summative assessment 1 (graded) will constitute 30% of the final grade. This assessment task comprises 6 micro exams
• Summative assessment 2 (graded) will constitute 25% of the final grade. This assessment comprises a presentation on criminological concepts covered in the course.
• Summative assessment 3 will constitute 45% of the final grade and comprises 3 short essays on the core concepts of criminology
Comprehensive assessment outlines will be issued and discussed with students in class/and of made available through Blackboard
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