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LAWS6048: Explaining Crime
2025 unit information
This unit examines the relevance of theory to the process of explaining crime as a social phenomenon. It will selectively analyse the history of criminological thought. Special attention will be given to the cross-disciplinary nature of efforts to understand crime, criminality and their causes. A significant section of the unit will deal with contemporary approaches to criminological explanation including the influence of feminism and postmodernism. Contemporary theorists such as Foucault, Garland and Braithwaite will also be considered. The unit will endeavour to make explicit the links between criminological theory and the development of public policy. This is a compulsory unit for students enrolled in the Criminology Program. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Law School
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Law |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. examine the relevance of theory to the process of understanding and explanation
- LO2. recognise the diversity of conceptual frameworks apparent in the serious study of crime and criminality
- LO3. critically investigate the sources of knowledge which underpin our understandings of and responses to crime and criminality
- LO4. critically understand the development of criminological thought and the assumptions underpinning various theories
- LO5. critically understand the link between theory and criminal justice policy
- LO6. appreciate the multi-disciplinary nature of criminological explanation.
- LO7. develop skills of working collaboratively as a group to produce a collective outcome
Unit availability
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