Outline

Overview

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. Enrolment priority will be given to these students. Further information about this unit is available in the Sydney Law School timetable https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable, unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units and academic staff profile https://www.sydney.edu.au/law/about/our-people/academic-staff.html

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Gail Mason, gail.mason@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Gail Mason, gail.mason@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 8 March 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Class Presentation (20%) Group oral presentation to class	20%	Week 04 Due date: 16 Mar 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 16 Mar 2024	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Short release assignment	Assignment (short release) (30%) Written task	30%	Week 06 Due date: 25 Mar 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 08 Apr 2024	2000 words/6 working days
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Essay (long release) (50%) Research Essay	50%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 31 May 2024	4000 words/12 weeks
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Class presentation 20%

A list of questions will be provided on the first day of classes (Friday 1 March 2024). Students will be allocated to a group and will work as a group (between the two blocks of classes) to research and present their response to one question to the class. Class presentations will take place in Sessions 12 and 13 on the last day of classes (Saturday 16 March 2024).

This will be a group oral presentation. Each student must work collaboratively with other members of the group and make a fair contribution to: 1) all meetings as organised by the group 2) the research tasks as decided by the group 3) the consolidation and integration of the research results into a cohesive answer to the question and 4) the content and nature of the presentation to the class. Each group must specify (in writing or as part of their oral presentation) the exact contribution of each member (eg this can be included as a final slide in a powerpoint presentation). It is up to the group to decide how many members of the group will present to the class but each student must attend class when their group is presenting and be available to respond to questions. There is no mandatory written response for this assessment (and thus no specified word length) but each group will be invited to submit any aids used in their presentation to the lecturer within 24 hours after the presentation, to be shared on Canvas with the whole class (aids include powerpoint slides, videos, scenarios, class questions or other handouts). As it is not mandatory to use visual or other aids for the presentation, each group will receive a mark based on the class presentation itself, not any aids submitted subsequently. Each member of the presentation group will receive the same result.

This assessment task targets Learning Outcomes 4 and 5.

Assignment (Short Release) 30% (2000 words)

A list of questions will be provided at the end of the second block of classes (Saturday 16 March 2024). Students will be required to answer a specified number of these questions.

Release date: Saturday 16 March 2024 at 4 pm (Sydney, Australia time)

Due date: Monday 25 March 2024 by 5 pm (Sydney, Australia time)

This assessment task is directed at achieving the Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 6.

Essay (Long Release) 50% (4000 words)

A list of essay questions will be provided on the first day of classes (Friday 1 March 2024). Students will select one question and will need to read widely to answer that question (a minimum of 20 references is a rough guide)

Assessment Criteria for the Essay

The assessment criteria are designed to reflect all the directives outlined below. Students will receive a clear grid outlining their success against these criteria as well as written feedback.

Introduction & clear statement of objectives
Research & engagement with literature
Addresses the question
Critical Analysis
Correspondence between objectives and outcomes
Logical structure & development of argument
Originality
Expression
Citations & Referencing

Release date: Friday 1 March 2024 at 9.00 am(Sydney, Australia Time)

Due date: Monday 24 May 2024 by 4 pm (Sydney, Australia Time)

This assessment task is directed at achieving the Learning Outcomes: 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Retaining Drafts: Students must retain pre-submitted drafts of their assessments on file.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for written assessments will include: body text; headings and sub-headings; quotations; anything other than numbers and citations in footnotes. Neither the reference list nor citation-only footnotes will be included in the word count (however, any additional comments in footnotes will be included in the word count).

Special Consideration: The outcome of a grant of special consideration application may include an alternative task and may be a viva, at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator.

Use of editors or proof-readers: The use of assistance in preparing and editing assessment tasks in this unit of study is strictly prohibited. Assistance includes human and automated writing tools (not including spell checking).

Assessment requirement to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	• Completely answers the question. • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	• Completely answers the question. • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. • Generally well expressed and free from errors. • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. • Contains no significant errors • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. • Contains some significant errors. • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. • Adequate expression. • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	• Does not answer the question. • Contains significant or numerous errors. • Few or no identifiable arguments. • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. • Lack of research or analysis. • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per calendar day or part thereof. For example, a submission after 5pm but by 11:59pm on the due date for submission will attract a 10% penalty. A submission after midnight of the due date for submission will attract a 20% penalty. Canvas allows students to submit after the deadline, but all submissions after the due date and time will be recorded as late. The date and time of submission as recorded by Canvas is taken as the official and final record of a student's submission.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 02	SCANA [Student Communication and Needs Assessment]. A short online activity designed to give you insights into your academic language skills and connect you with relevant academic support to help you optimize your participation in your studies.	Independent study (1 hr)
	1. Theorising Crime and Criminality; 2. Understanding Criminalisation; 3. Representing Crime	Seminar (6.5 hr)
	1. Individual Explanations: Classicism to Positivism; 2. Sociological Explanations Part 1; 3. Sociological Explanations Part 2	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 04	1. Sociological Explanations Part 3; 2. The Political Economy of Crime; 3. Gender and Crime	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 04	1. Critical Criminology and Foucault; 2. Restorative Justice; 3. Illicit Drugs and Crime; 4. Crime Prevention and Community Safety	Seminar (6.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend at least 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for each unit of study. Failure to meet this requirement may result in a student being precluded from submitting the final assessment.

For units offered in Intensive mode, participation in all scheduled sessions may be expected by a Unit Coordinator in order to satisfy the requirements of the unit.

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer, and a link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

This unit has a prescribed textbook that students must purchase. The textbook is:

White, R. Haines, F and Asquith, N. (2017) Crime and Criminology, 6th edition, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Other required readings for this unit can be accessed through the Reading List on Canvas.

Students are expected to read the required reading before class and come prepared to discuss and ask questions.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Revisions and updates have been made since last offered.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

LAWS6048: Explaining Crime

Semester 1a, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect