1013CCJ - T1 2024 - Module 1 Summit - Student Version-1-1

Module 1 Summit

• Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Course Code: 1013CCJ

  • School: School of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Acknowledgement of Country

• Griffith University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land.

• Respect is paid to Elders, past and present, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Summit Overview

• Griffith University, Queensland, Australia

Module 1 Overview

• Content Areas:

  • Course overview

  • Assessment overview

  • Definitions

  • Crime facts and fallacies

  • Media and crime

  • The criminal justice system

  • Course reminders

Course Overview

• Griffith University, Queensland, Australia

About Me

• Instructor: Dr. Lacey Schaefer

  • Roles: Seminar Leader, Lecturer, Course Convenor

  • Contact:

    • Email: l.schaefer@griffith.edu.au

    • Phone: 07 3735 3482

    • Office: M10_3.35

  • Course discussion board supported by Ms. Emily Wright

Academic Calendar

Module Schedule

• Part A: Criminology and Criminal Justice as a Discipline

  • Week 1: Introduction to the Course (4 March 2024)

  • Week 2: Defining and Measuring Crime (11 March 2024)

  • Week 3: Prevalence of Crime (18 March 2024)

• Part B1: Structure and Process Theories

  • Module 4: Anomie and Strain Theories (25 March 2024)

  • Student Vacation Period (1 April 2024)

  • Module 5: Social Disorganisation Theories (8 April 2024)

  • Module 6: Environmental Theories (15 April 2024)

• Part B2: Individual Difference Theories

  • Module 7: Control Theories (22 April 2024)

  • Module 8: Learning Theories (29 April 2024)

  • Module 9: Biological and Psychological Theories (6 May 2024)

  • Module 10: Developmental Theories (13 May 2024)

• Part B3: Meaning-Making Theories

  • Module 11: Conflict, Critical, and Labeling Theories (20 May 2024)

• Module 12: Course Review

Course Structure

Modules Overview

• Part A: Criminology and Criminal Justice as a Discipline

• Part B1: Structure and Process Theories

• Part B2: Individual Difference Theories

• Part B3: Meaning-Making Theories

Seminar Structure

• Workshop:

  • 80-minute session focused on problem-based learning, involving application of weekly content prior to learning definitions, theories, and research.

• Student-Led Study:

  • Independent learning including mini-lectures, readings, and online interactions.

• Summit:

  • 80-minute online lecture summarizing Module content, facilitating personal learning construction.

Student-Led Study Structure

• Mysteries:

  • Questions stimulating thinking about Module content.

• Meanderings & Musings:

  • Foundational texts introducing key concepts and empirical evidence.

• Media:

  • Mini-lectures and current events illustrating course components.

• Memes & Music:

  • Humorous content relevant to Module themes.

• Making It Matter:

  • Connecting academic concepts to real-world contexts.

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

• Purpose:

  • Offers additional study support for challenging courses.

  • Weekly one-hour study sessions in a relaxed environment.

  • Led by high-achieving students (PASS Leaders) ensuring better understanding of course concepts.

Benefits of PASS

• Time Efficiency:

  • One hour in PASS can save three hours of independent study.

• Skill Improvement:

  • Help in comprehending complex ideas, enhancing critical thinking and improving grades.

• Success Rate:

  • Students attending PASS show consistently higher grades in supported courses.

Assessment Overview

• Assessments for 1013CCJ / CCJ113:| Assessment | Skill Being Assessed | Format | Weighting | Due Date ||------------|----------------------|--------|-----------|----------|| Assessment 1 | Auditing | Online Test | 30% | End of Week 4 || Assessment 2 | Applying | Theory Application | 30% | End of Week 8 || Assessment 3 | Analysing | Policy Proposal | 40% | End of Week 12 |

Important Dates for Assessment Information Sessions

Module 1: Definitions

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of Week 1, students will be able to:

  • Understand the multidisciplinary nature of criminology.

  • Identify elements of the criminal justice system and discuss its systemic nature critically.

  • Describe common misconceptions about crime and justice.

  • Explain media influences on social behaviors and attitudes regarding crime and justice.

What is Criminology?

• A scientific, multidisciplinary field encompassing psychology, sociology, biology, law, geography, demography, political science, and economics.

• Studies characteristics of criminal law, extent of crime, crime effects on victims and society, prevention methods, attributes of criminals, and features of the criminal justice system. (Williams, 2012)

What is a Crime?

• Definition affects measurement and subsequent actions towards crime issues.

• Further explorations in Modules 2 and 3.

Module 1: Crime Facts and Fallacies

Key Concepts

• Crime myths persist despite vast information accessibility.

• Critical thinking is necessary to debunk myths.

• Mythology of Crime:

  • Misconceptions about police, court systems, punishment utility, and justice systems.

The Media and Crime

Key Points

• Crime and justice narratives are often framed as infotainment, fostering myths and simplistic views.

• Media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions regarding crime.

• Importance of understanding Newsworthiness:

  • Immediacy, dramatization, personalisation, simplification, binary oppositions, titillation, conventionalism, and novelty are key reporting values.

The Politics of Mass Media

• Media bias varies significantly across outlets.

• Understanding media ownership implications on political processes and public accountability.