JSB272 Theories of Crime
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | JSB272 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 96 Credit Points of Completed Study |
| Antirequisite(s): | JSN113 |
| Equivalent(s): | JSB231, JSB018 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $2,124 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $996 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,204 |
| International unit fee | $4,572 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | JSB272 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 96 credit points of study |
| Equivalent: | JSB231, JSB018 |
| Anti-requisite: | JSN113 |
| Coordinator: | Brenna Mathieson | brenna.mathieson@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Criminology is a multi-disciplinary field and this is reflected in the diversity of theoretical approaches, which draw on various sciences, psychology, sociology, philosophy and politics. Theory is typically offered as distinct from methods of research; however, together they provide the foundation for policy and practice. The unit provides an analytical framework in order to critically assess the epistemological claims and justifications found in criminological theory.
A range of criminological explanations and theories of crime are explored: classicism/neo-classicism; biological and psychological positivism; anomie; strain theory; the Chicago school; labelling theory; feminist criminology; Marxism; critical criminology; new right theory; left realism; and cultural criminology. The course stresses the relevance and application of theory, examining how theory 'works' (or 'fails') in practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse diverse theories of crime and deviance (CLO 1.1, 1.2)
- Apply an analytic framework to assess the merits of different criminological theories in the context of specific crimes or policy problems (CLO 4.2)
- Create an industry-standard document for a professional audience using appropriate written conventions, sources of evidence and referencing (CLO 3.1, 4.1, 5.3)
- Provide evidence-based responses to support a logical theoretical position in respect of a practical real-world example (CLO 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
Content
The content in this unit covers a range of theories of crime developed over the last two centuries, including classicism, positivism, sociological structuralism, deviance theory, critical criminology, feminist, post-structuralist and counter-colonial criminological theories.
Learning Approaches
The main approach adopted in this unit is that of student-centred learning, which, in effect, means that you are required to take primary responsibility for your own learning under the general guidance and assistance of the unit teaching staff. The unit coordinator communicates with students using Canvas notices. All students are expected to maintain regular contact with the Canvas site for the unit and to check their student email daily to ensure they are aware of important information concerning the unit.
In this unit you will learn by engaging in the following:
- lectures (recorded)
- workshops (on-campus and online)
- online learning materials
- peer and group discussions
This unit adopts a blended teaching approach consisting of a weekly one hour pre-recorded lecture and a two hour workshop based on the the weekly lecture content. Lectures will consist of direct instruction by the unit coordinator and could consist of addresses by guest lecturers.
Workshops will contain practical problem-solving tasks and case-based learning activities, where you will have the opportunity to converse and engage with your peers. Workshops will be recorded using Echo360 and microphones will be used to ensure student discussion can be heard. Both on-campus and online students can simultaneously participate in these sessions. On-campus students are encouraged to attend these scheduled on-campus workshops and online students are encouraged to attend online through Echo360 where possible or to listen to the recording at a later date (recordings are made available within a few hours of scheduled finish time).
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:
- informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- formal: in writing, e.g. criteria sheets, written commentary
- direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- indirect: to the whole class.
Students in this unit are provided with individual feedback on Assessment Item 1: 'Solving the Crime Problem'. This feedback will be formative feedback in the form of detailed electronic comments (using track changes and electronic commenting functions in Word). Additional feedback will also be provided in the marking criteria sheets.
General feedback (including comments about what was done well and what required improvement) relating to each assessment item is also provided to all students under the 'Feedback' section on the Canvas site. Feedback for Assessment Item 2: 'Exam' will be generic and posted to Canvas.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit focuses on the students' depth and breadth of knowledge and understandings of criminological theories and their impacts for policy, practice and research in the criminal justice domain. It is expected that all assessment will demonstrate engagement with the unit themes, key theoretical concepts and unit resources and address the unit Learning Outcomes listed above. Students need to refer to the unit Canvas site for more detailed information about all assessment items for this unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Report
The report will be based on a series of real world crime problems that you will be asked to apply your knowledge of criminological theories to solve.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, is not permitted in this assessment task. The use of such tools when not authorised may be treated as a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and appropriate penalties imposed.
Assessment: Invigilated exam
You will be asked to respond to a series of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions. Your responses will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of theories, theorists, and how the theories can be applied (i.e., strengths and limitations).
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Additional resource materials will be available through Canvas.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
White R, Haines F, Asquith NL, Crime and Criminology, 7th ed. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, 2017. ISBN 9780190307101
Risk Assessment Statement
Students are advised that some content in justice units may be confronting. If you are concerned that the content of a unit may impact your completion of the course, please see the unit coordinator. You can also access free student counselling through QUT Counselling via the QUT Student Homepage.
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online
| Unit code: | JSB272 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 96 credit points of study |
| Equivalent: | JSB231, JSB018 |
| Anti-requisite: | JSN113 |
Overview
Criminology is a multi-disciplinary field and this is reflected in the diversity of theoretical approaches, which draw on various sciences, psychology, sociology, philosophy and politics. Theory is typically offered as distinct from methods of research; however, together they provide the foundation for policy and practice. The unit provides an analytical framework in order to critically assess the epistemological claims and justifications found in criminological theory.
A range of criminological explanations and theories of crime are explored: classicism/neo-classicism; biological and psychological positivism; anomie; strain theory; the Chicago school; labelling theory; feminist criminology; Marxism; critical criminology; new right theory; left realism; and cultural criminology. The course stresses the relevance and application of theory, examining how theory 'works' (or 'fails') in practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse diverse theories of crime and deviance (CLO 1.1, 1.2)
- Apply an analytic framework to assess the merits of different criminological theories in the context of specific crimes or policy problems (CLO 4.2)
- Create an industry-standard document for a professional audience using appropriate written conventions, sources of evidence and referencing (CLO 3.1, 4.1, 5.3)
- Provide evidence-based responses to support a logical theoretical position in respect of a practical real-world example (CLO 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
Content
The content in this unit covers a range of theories of crime developed over the last two centuries, including classicism, positivism, sociological structuralism, deviance theory, critical criminology, feminist, post-structuralist and counter-colonial criminological theories.
Learning Approaches
The main approach adopted in this unit is that of student-centred learning, which, in effect, means that you are required to take primary responsibility for your own learning under the general guidance and assistance of the unit teaching staff. The unit coordinator communicates with students using Canvas notices. All students are expected to maintain regular contact with the Canvas site for the unit and to check their student email daily to ensure they are aware of important information concerning the unit.
In this unit you will learn by engaging in the following:
- lectures (recorded)
- workshops (on-campus and online)
- online learning materials
- peer and group discussions
This unit adopts a blended teaching approach consisting of a weekly one hour pre-recorded lecture and a two hour workshop based on the the weekly lecture content. Lectures will consist of direct instruction by the unit coordinator and could consist of addresses by guest lecturers.
Workshops will contain practical problem-solving tasks and case-based learning activities, where you will have the opportunity to converse and engage with your peers. Workshops will be recorded using Echo360 and microphones will be used to ensure student discussion can be heard. Both on-campus and online students can simultaneously participate in these sessions. On-campus students are encouraged to attend these scheduled on-campus workshops and online students are encouraged to attend online through Echo360 where possible or to listen to the recording at a later date (recordings are made available within a few hours of scheduled finish time).
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:
- informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- formal: in writing, e.g. criteria sheets, written commentary
- direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- indirect: to the whole class.
Students in this unit are provided with individual feedback on Assessment Item 1: 'Solving the Crime Problem'. This feedback will be formative feedback in the form of detailed electronic comments (using track changes and electronic commenting functions in Word). Additional feedback will also be provided in the marking criteria sheets.
General feedback (including comments about what was done well and what required improvement) relating to each assessment item is also provided to all students under the 'Feedback' section on the Canvas site. Feedback for Assessment Item 2: 'Exam' will be generic and posted to Canvas.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit focuses on the students' depth and breadth of knowledge and understandings of criminological theories and their impacts for policy, practice and research in the criminal justice domain. It is expected that all assessment will demonstrate engagement with the unit themes, key theoretical concepts and unit resources and address the unit Learning Outcomes listed above. Students need to refer to the unit Canvas site for more detailed information about all assessment items for this unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Report
The report will be based on a series of real world crime problems that you will be asked to apply your knowledge of criminological theories to solve.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, is not permitted in this assessment task. The use of such tools when not authorised may be treated as a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and appropriate penalties imposed.
Assessment: Invigilated exam
You will be asked to respond to a series of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions. Your responses will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of theories, theorists, and how the theories can be applied (i.e., strengths and limitations).
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Additional resource materials will be available through Canvas.
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
White R, Haines F, Asquith NL, Crime and Criminology, 7th ed. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, 2017. ISBN 9780190307101
Risk Assessment Statement
Students are advised that some content in justice units may be confronting. If you are concerned that the content of a unit may impact your completion of the course, please see the unit coordinator. You can also access free student counselling through QUT Counselling via the QUT Student Homepage.