Outline

Overview

New digital technologies are rapidly emerging as conduits for criminality as well as tools of policing and criminal procedure, and in the infrastructure of punishment. In this unit of study, students will learn about the impacts of technologies on crime and justice: in the commission of new crimes, in law enforcement and regulatory challenges, national security, and digital transformations in court procedure and court space, algorithmic risk assessments, corrections, and in the supervision of offenders. This unit of study draws from socio-legal literature and the emerging field of Digital Criminology to understand the profound shifts occurring in the move from terrestrial to digital environments, and from human 'reality' to augmented, virtual and artificial platforms in the criminal justice system. 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	Carolyn McKay, carolyn.mckay@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 27 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Short release assignment	Short Release Assignment (40%) Written task	40%	Week 04 Due date: 08 Oct 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 22 Oct 2024	2500 words / 10 working days
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case Study Outline (5%) Brief outline of case study	5%	Week 07 Due date: 28 Oct 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 11 Nov 2024	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Short release assignment	Short-released Case Study (55%) Research essay	55%	Week 08 Due date: 10 Nov 2024 at 17:00 Closing date: 24 Nov 2024	5000 words / 9 working days
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Short Release Assignment (40%) – There are two [2] components to the short release assignment. Students must complete both parts:

Explain Digital Criminology (15%). This section requires students to reference unit readings and their own independent research to explain their understanding of the theory of digital criminology and the significance of ‘harm’ to the study of digital criminology.
Theoretical Engagement (25%). Students must choose one [1] of the following theories and explain its core principles:
- Actor Network Theory
- Feminist Criminology
- Surveillance Theory

Then, referencing unit readings and their own independent research, explain the application of the chosen theory to understanding contemporary criminal behaviour in general and specifically as the chosen theory assists in understanding a provided media article (available on Canvas).

The complete assignment, with a maximum word count of 2,500 words (including footnotes, references, and bibliography).

The assignment will be released on canvas site at 5.00pm on Monday 23 September 2024 (Sydney, Australia time) and will be due at 5.00 pm on Tuesday 8 October 2024 (Sydney, Australia time). It must be submitted via Canvas. Detailed instructions and marking criteria will be discussed in class and available via the unit Canvas site.

Case Study Outline (5%) – There are two [2] components to the case study outline. Students must complete both parts:

Students must complete an outline of their chosen Australian news story (published in 2023 or 2024) relevant to this unit of study and focused on digital criminal behaviour, digital law enforcement or regulation, digital criminal court procedure, or digital punishment in Australia. This part requires students to explain the relevance of the chosen news story to the unit of study.
Students must choose and outline their chosen theoretical framework from the provided list. This framework will be used to analyse their selected news story in the final Case Study.

The complete outline, with a maximum word count of 500 words (including footnotes, references, and bibliography), is due by 5.00 PM on Monday 28 October 2024 (Sydney, Australia time) and must be submitted via Canvas. This outline is a prerequisite to the final Case Study. Further details about the requirements and marking criteria will be discussed in class and provided in Canvas.

Short-released Case Study (55%) – There are four [4] components to the case study research essay. Students must complete all parts:

News Story Selection (5%). Students must choose an Australian news story (published in 2023 or 2024) relevant to this unit of study focused on digital criminal behaviour, digital law enforcement or regulation, digital criminal court procedure, or digital punishment within Australia. Students must ensure they can access the full news article for research purposes and provide an outline of the chosen news story and its relevance to the unit of study.
Theoretical Framework (10%). Students must choose and explain one [1] of the following criminological theories to analyse their chosen news story
- Digital Criminology
- Cyber Criminology
- Cultural Criminology
- Visual Criminology.
Research and Analysis (30%). Students must critically explain and analyse the case study through their chosen theory.
Discussion and Conclusion (10%). Students must summarise their key points and conclude their argument.

The complete essay, with a maximum word count of 5,000 words (including footnotes, references, and bibliography), is due by 5.00 PM on Sunday 10 November 2024 (Sydney, Australia time) and must be submitted via Canvas. Further details about the requirements and marking criteria will be discussed in class and provided in Canvas.

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 essay and other written assessments will include all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of permissible assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Use of editors and automated writing tools: 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). The use of Studiosity does not breach this rule but must be acknowledged.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements 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	Work receiving a high distinction grade will generally exhibit the following characteristics: • 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	Work receiving a distinction grade will generally exhibit the following characteristics: • 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	Work receiving a credit grade will generally exhibit the following characteristics: • 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	Work receiving a pass grade will generally exhibit the following characteristics: • 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	Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: • 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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

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 5:00pm 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.

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 01	Introduction: Digital Criminology; Understanding Digital Criminology	Seminar (3 hr)
	Theorising Digital Criminology; Researching Digital Criminology	Seminar (3.5 hr)
	Criminal Behaviour in the Digital Age	Seminar (4.5 hr)
	Victimisation in the Digital Age	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Digital Policing; Regulation	Seminar (4.5 hr)
	Peer Review Session; social justice in digital society	Workshop (2 hr)
	Digitised Justice	Seminar (3 hr)
	Digitising punishment and supervision	Seminar (1.5 hr)
	Workshopping students' individual case studies / Conclusion	Workshop (2 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 undertaking 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. 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

The prescribed textbook is Powell, Anastasia, Stratton, Gregory and Cameron, Robin. Digital Criminology: Crime and Justice in Digital Society. (Routledge, 2018).

For other required readings, please refer to the Reading List tab in Canvas.

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. demonstrate critical knowledge of new forms of crime and victimisation
LO2. demonstrate critical knowledge of responses and initiatives from police, government regulators, prosecutors, the courts, and corrections
LO3. demonstrate skills in critical analysis and application of theoretical and regulatory frameworks to understand the social and legal implications of digital transformations in offending, detection, prosecution, and punishment
LO4. demonstrate skills in evaluating prospects for regulation and law reform.
LO5. demonstrate skills in independent research

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.

In response to 2021 student feedback, the final seminar/workshop will be dedicated to discussing students’ individual case studies.

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

LAWS6358: Digital Criminology: Tech and Crime

Intensive September - October, 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