ACR101 - Introducing Crime And Criminology - Online seminar 2_default

Key Concepts in Criminology

• Definition of criminology:

  • Study of crime and its causes

  • Analysis of offenders and crime reduction measures

• Key questions include:

  • What is crime?

  • How is it caused?

  • What can be done about crime?

  • How is victimization defined and understood?

Assessment Task One (AT1)

• Submission deadline: March 25, 8 PM; penalties after midnight

• Weightage: 10%, pass/fail; requires critically reflecting on sources of information about crime

• Paragraph requirements:

  • First paragraph: Discuss primary information sources (news, TV, podcasts)

  • Second paragraph: Skills audit (strengths and areas for improvement in study skills)

• Tips for referencing:

  • Use Deakin Harvard referencing guidelines

  • Feedback opportunity for references without affecting grades

Group Activity: Differences in Crime Laws

• Examples discussed:

  • Vaping, tanning beds, gun laws: Legal in USA, illegal in Australia due to health risks

  • Unique Australian laws such as restrictions on kite flying and walking barefoot in specific regions

• Discussion points:

  • Reasons for jurisdictional differences in criminalization

  • Insights into cultural context influencing legal definitions

Reflection Questions

• Importance of discussing what constitutes a crime

• Consideration of acts that should or should not be criminalized based on personal experiences and cultural backgrounds

Conclusion

• Encouragement for continued dialogue as students progress through criminology

• Opportunity for students to ask questions regarding content or assessments.