Course Title: Research criminology and crime prevention for application to practice within justice environments
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2017
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
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 |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
2. Analyse crime in Victoria
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
3. Research and review crime prevention strategies for application to practice
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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
Learninng activities
Students will participate in a variety of learning activities, both in class and out of class.
In class activities will incorporate
Face to face lectures, simulated workplace scenarios, practical demonstrations and role-plays that identify with professional practice within the criminal justice system
· Individual oral and written questioning, and student-led group discussions and/or presentations, will exemplify your contextualizing of the class topics, and validate your learning about criminology and crime prevention perspectives for application in criminal justice settings
Out of class activities will Incorporate
· Readings, researching case studies, completing remaining in class activities, and preparing for in class group presentations/discussions
Teaching Schedule
180 min. Session One:
An introduction to the study of crime, including different definitions and their limitations. Course concepts are discussed.
· Course guide
· Power Point presentation 1
· Readings
· Case studies
180 min. Session Two:
Ancient functions of the law, justice and crime are explored.
The time period & historical context, definition of crime, focus of analysis, cause of crime, nature of offender, response to crime, crime prevention approach, operation of the CJS, major theorists and their contributions, implications for today’s system and critique of the Classical School of Criminology is explained and explored.
Summative Assessment One, Part 1 of 6 – Examination
· PowerPoint presentations 2
· Exam
· Exam feedback
· Readings
· Revision table
· Case studies
180 min. Session Three:
The time period & historical context, definition of crime, focus of analysis, cause of crime, nature of offender, response to crime, crime prevention approach, operation of the CJS, major theorists and their contributions, implications for today’s system and critique of the Positivist School of Criminology is explained and explored.
Summative Assessment One, Part 2 of 6 – Examination
· PowerPoint presentation 3
· Exam
· Exam feedback
· Readings
· Presentation outline
· Case studies
· Revision table
· Crime seriousness cards
180 min. Session Four:
The time period & historical context, definition of crime, focus of analysis, cause of crime, nature of offender, response to crime, crime prevention approach, operation of the CJS, major theorists and their contributions, implications for today’s system and critique of both Strain Theory and Social Process Theory are explained and explored.
Summative Assessment One, Part 3 of 6 – Examination
· PowerPoint presentation 4
· Exam
· Exam feedback
· Readings
· Major report outline
· Case studies
· Revision table
180 min. Session five:
The time period & historical context, definition of crime, focus of analysis, cause of crime, nature of offender, response to crime, crime prevention approach, operation of the CJS, major theorists and their contributions, implications for today’s system and critique of Marxist Criminology, Feminist Criminology and Left Realism are explained and explored.
Summative Assessment One, Part 4 of 6 – Examination
· PowerPoint presentation 5
· Exam
· Exam feedback
· Readings
· Case studies
· Revision table
180 min Session six:
The time period & historical context, definition of crime, focus of analysis, cause of crime, nature of offender, response to crime, crime prevention approach, operation of the CJS, major theorists and their contributions, implications for today’s system and critique of both New Right and Republican Theory are explained and explored. In additi, Peacemaking Criminology and Therapeutic Juriprudence are introduced.
Summative Assessment One, Part 5 of 6 – Examination
· PowerPoint presentation 6
· Exam
· Exam feedback
· Readings
· Case studies
· Revision table
180 min. Session seven:
Current theories of crime are explored in this session,including the popular concept of made, bad or sad, and it’s links to trait theory. A topical case study is explored in depth, to make sense and apply the learnings to date.
Summative Assessment One, Part 6 of 6 – Examination
Formative Assessment 1– Case study presentation
· PowerPoint presentation 7
· Exam
· Exam feedback
· Readings
· Case study
180 min. Session eight:
This session involves practical crime prevention activities in a Melbourne suburb, as well as a tour of the historical site of Pentridge Prison by the onsite archeologist.
Formative Assessment 2– Crime prevention homework handout – practical exercise
· Excursion materials
· Homework handout
· Readings
180 min Session nine:
The major theories of crime prevention is explored in light of different crime typologies (e.g. property crime, intimate partner violence), and student’s practicum reflections from the previous sesson.
Formative Assessment 3– Crime prevention homework handout –theoretical application · PowerPoint presentation 9
· Readings
· Case study
· Homework handout
180 min. Session ten:
Student’s work independently on their major reports.
Summative Assessment Two – Major Report
· Major reports
· Feedback on major reports
180 min. Session eleven:
Group work in final preparation for group presentations on different crime types (the substantive areas of offending behavior)
Formative Assessment 4– Draft presentation consultation
· Group consultation and draft feedback
180 min. Session twelve:
The dynamics of violence theory is introduced. Students and the educator provide presentations on crimes against the person including homicide, sexual assault, stalking and child abuse. Major themes are discussed.
Summative Assessment Three – Group presentations
Formative Assessment 5 – Homework sheet on session
· PowerPoint presentation 12
· Student powerpoint presentations
· Homework tasks
· Presentation feedback
· Readings
180 min. Session thirteen:
Students and the educator provide presentations on crimes against the person including assault, Serial murder, Mass murder, Hate Crimes, and Terrorism. Major themes are discussed.
Summative Assessment Three – Group presentations
Formative Assessment 6 – Homework sheet on session
· PowerPoint presentation 13
· Student powerpoint presentations
· Homework tasks
· Presentation feedback
· Readings
180 min. Session fourteen:
Students and the educator provide presentations on crimes against property including Arson, Fraud (incl. forgery, credit card and con games), Burglary, Robbery and Theft. Major themes are discussed.
Summative Assessment Three – Group presentations
Formative Assessment 7– Homework sheet on session
· PowerPoint presentation 14
· Student powerpoint presentations
· Homework tasks
· Presentation feedback
· Readings
180 min.Session fifteen:
Students and the educator provide presentations on organized and public order crime and its implications. This includes presentations on Corporate Crime (White Collar Crime), Organised Crime and Trafficking (e.g. human, drug). Major themes are discussed.
Summative Assessment Three – Group presentations
Formative Assessment 8 – Homework sheet on session
· PowerPoint presentation 15
· Student powerpoint presentations
· Homework tasks
· Presentation feedback
· Readings
180 min. Session sixteen:
Victims of crime – Part 1 discussed major theories, including major concepts and terms.
Formative Assessment 9– Group work on the ideal victim theory
· PowerPoint presentation 16
· Student handout
· Assignment handout for poster
· Readings
180 min Session seventeen:
Victims of crime – Part 2 practical implications for working with victims of crime is explored.
Summative Assessment Four – Poster report
· PowerPoint presentation 17
· Poster reports
· Poster feedback
· Readings
180
min
Session eighteen:
Crime statistics are introduced and their sources and validity is explored.
Formative Assessment 10– Statistical analysis of local areas
· PowerPoint presentation 18
· Student handout
· Assignment handout for statistics exam
· Readings
· Crime statistic resources
180
min
Session nineteen:
Further exploration of crime statistics is undertaken, as well as practical exercises.
Summative Assessment Five – Statistics examination
· PowerPoint presentation 19
· Readings
· Crime statistic resources
180
min
Session twenty:
The session explores the theory and practice of offender rehabilitation, as well as the concept of criminal profiling. A major linked case study is examined in light of these theories. Students are provided with cold cases to conceptualise.
Formative Assessment 11 – Case study research
· PowerPoint presentation 20
· Readings
· Case studies
· Case conceptualisation
180
min
Session twenty-one:
The semester is summarized with an exploration of policy and practice implications.
Formative Assessment 12 – Group summary exercise
· PowerPoint presentation 20
· Readings
· Activity outline
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
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
There are five summative tasks to be completed
· An exam broken into six parts that explore major criminological theories (30%)
· A major report requiring students to consider a local case study as it relates to two key criminological theory (25%)
· A group presentation on a major crime typology (25%)
· A poster presentation comparing two case studies in response to a key criminological theory (10%)
· An examination regarding local Victorian crime statistics and their application (10%)
Each of these summative components is supported by formative assessment opportunities
Assessment Matrix
Graded results are summative assessments and will be recorded as either:
CHD - Competent High Distinction;
CDI - Competent with Distinction,
CC - Competent with Credit;
CAG - Competency Achieved-Graded;
NYC - Not Yet Competent; or
DNS - Did Not Submit for Assessment.
Other Information
Program inherent requirements
Inherent requirements refer to the abilities, knowledge and skills you must demonstrate to:
achieve program learning outcomes
work effectively as part of a team in classroom and work-integrated learning (WIL) settings
perform effectively in classroom and WIL settings without undue risk to your own or others' health, safety and welfare.
Depending on your program of study, inherent requirements may include:
verbal and non-verbal communication skills
reading, writing and number skills
concentration, memory and problem solving
mental wellness and behavioural stability
vision, hearing, touch and smell
physical skills, such as gross and fine motor skills.
If you have any injury, illness, disability, impairment, condition or incapacity that may affect your ability to perform the inherent requirements of your program of study, we encourage you to discuss this with the Program manager to enable RMIT University to identify whether there are any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform program requirements. RMIT University wants to place you in the best possible position to use your knowledge, skills and attributes effectively in your program of study.
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
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of work submitted in hardcopy. For every piece of work submitted online you will complete an e-Declaration. The signed cover sheet or e-Declaration acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Examples of other information that could be included in this section are listed below. Please discuss with your Program Coordinator/Manager. Information needs to be consistent across the whole program.
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.
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://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
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:
- a) You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
- b) You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
- c) 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://www1.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://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/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 (unresolved) – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations – http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=r7a7an6qug93
Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com
Complaints Procedure:
RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.
Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.
Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy
Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22
Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf
Working with Children Check – This course requires a Working with Children Check
Police Check – This course requires a satisfactory police check
Course Overview: Access Course Overview