Course Title: Crime Science

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Crime Science

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

SOCU2266

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015

SOCU2266

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face or Internet

 Sem 1 2014

Course Coordinator: Russell Solomon

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8256

Course Coordinator Email: russell.solomon@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In this course you critique the foundational concepts, theories and approaches which underpin crime science. To achieve this you will analyse a range of scientific techniques necessary to apply crime science within the justice sector. This will allow you to develop the skills to better apply science to understanding crime problems. You will then be able to develop strategies to increase the probability of detecting and arresting offenders.

Crime science also involves the study of criminal activity for the purpose of crime reduction. This is what differentiates it from traditional criminology, which is more concerned with the social impacts and reactions to crime. Despite its name, crime science is not exclusively a scientific approach but rather a blend of methods and circumstances that help us to understand what enables crime to occur. Temporal and spatial pattering of crime will be analysed in order to facilitate your development of crime disruption strategies.
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon the successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Analyse and critique key aspects of relevant scientific concepts and theories about crime
  • Examine and assess the utility of selected scientific techniques in crime science
  • Appraise the features and utility of selected software programs used in temporal and spatial crime pattern analysis
  • Critically evaluate how crime science outcomes can be applied to the strategic management of crime problems

You will be assessed on your development of the following program learning outcomes in this course:

  • Use strategic, critical, creative, and analytical thinking to develop creative solutions to a range of dynamic problems associated with crime management and the justice system
  • Communicate complex knowledge and ideas to diverse professional and non-professional audiences
     



Overview of Learning Activities

You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of activities both face to face and/or online such as lectures, tutorials, group and class discussion, group activities and individual research.
 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.
 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program capabilities. Assessment may include reports, projects and presentations, individually and in groups. Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. You will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest in your professional practice.Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment