CRIM1001- Criminological Imaginations

This course will introduce students to the canon of criminology and map the key theoretical frameworks that have been advanced to explain individual criminality and deviance. The course will encourage students to engage their 'criminological imaginations' to understand the causes of criminal offending and the infraction of social norms and values.

The course will begin by examining how deviancy and criminality is socially constructed. We will then explore the various historical perspectives that have been developed to try and explain crime and deviance. Beginning with the classical school of criminology, the course will explore how our understanding of individual criminal behaviour has developed and advanced. The course will require students to critically engage with the theories presented, and to critique their value in explaining crime in contemporary society. Current-day issues and research will be drawn upon throughout the course to bring to life the application of the criminological imagination.

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/CRIM1001

CRIM2001/CRIM6007- Doing Criminology: Research and Practice in Crime and Criminal Justice

Evidence-based policy development has emerged as key foundation of private enterprise and public service. Whether you're a policy officer, program manager or senior executive, understanding research and the research process is critical to innovation and improvement. In this course, students will gain an insight into how criminologists undertake research on policy related crime and punishment issues in Australia. Through a series of online and in-class exercises students will develop an understanding and the practical skills necessary to critique criminological research and implement a variety of methodological techniques.

This course is weighted towards understanding criminological research design, methods and evidence. An expert opinion or an appeal to “common sense” are often used for the basis of certain believes and behaviours. Experience in policymaking, however, implies that we must rely on evidence derived from robust research for effective and defensible decision-making. Skills in understanding and using research evidence are powerful for the exploration of substantiative research questions in social policy and criminology. Such skills are also highly sought after by employers in both the public and private sectors.

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/CRIM2001

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/CRIM6007

CRIM2007/CRIM6008- Order in the Courts: An Introduction to the Australian Judicial System

Australian courts represent a fundamental pillar of the criminal justice system. Understanding their role and responsibilities is important for students studying criminology, sociology, law and public policy. In this course, students will be introduced to the key issues and principles which govern the administration of justice, particularly as this relates to the important role of courts within the wider criminal justice system. Both historical and contemporary issues will be explored, including a key focus on recent innovations as the judicial system attempts to become more responsive to the multiplicity of needs within the offender population. Wherever possible, this course is complemented with field visits to the ACT Magistrates and Supreme Courts, as well as the High Court of Australia.

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/CRIM2007

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/CRIM6008

CRIM3005- Diversity and Crime: Equality in the Criminal Justice System

Contemporary societies comprise of diverse populations. Diversity can be the result of not only internal dimensions (such as ethnicity, gender, and age) but also different historical, social, and institutional processes with each population encountering unique risks and needs. One of the most consistent finding in criminology is that minority populations are over-represented at all stages of the criminal justice process both as victims and offenders. Hence, one of the critical issues in criminology today is addressing inequality within the criminal justice system and how to best cater to the needs of such diversity. In this course, students will be introduced to theoretical understanding of marginalisation and inequalities within the criminal justice system. Students will explore current responses to diverse populations and examine ways to reduce inequality within the criminal justice system. Diversity and Crime is a capstone unit for the Bachelor of Criminology.

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/CRIM3005

CRIM4001-Theories of Crime and Justice

The goal of this course is to help students think about how key debates within criminological theory and research can help inform their thesis. We review some of the major approaches to the study of crime and justice, and students will attain a comprehensive grasp of the main philosophical, historical and methodological debates within the discipline. A key element of the course will involve considering the epistemologies that underpin knowledge creation using different methodologies.  This course is designed to help students develop their research question and methodology for their honours thesis, and complements work undertaken independently by students with the help of their thesis supervisor.

https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2023/course/CRIM4001