Criminology
Year 10 Elective
Course Description
Criminology is the study of crime and deviant behaviours, criminals and their influences, and the legal system. Students will explore key elements of criminology such as crime detection and prevention, through to the courts and justice system, and prison and rehabilitation services. In this subject, students analyse and synthesise the legal and justice systems, as well as the social implications this can have on an individual and their society. Students will analyse the systems by which people accused of crimes are brought to justice, but also understand and explain what leads to acts of criminal and deviant behaviours and suggest ways crime might be reduced.
AOS1 - Students will be introduced to criminal and deviant behaviours, they will investigate what social factors within society lead to particular individuals choosing to act in an antisocial manner and portray characteristics outside of acceptable social norms. This area of study will examine forensic profiling of known criminals as well as psychopathology and personality, and the effects of nature versus nurture in constructing social behaviours. Crime and punishment allows insight into how crime and punishment has evolved and changed throughout history both in severity and enforcement.
AOS2 - Crime in focus introduces students to the world of youth crime and the age of criminal liability. By looking at topics including media bias and moral panic students are able to identify anad explain how the media acts as an agent in public perception and over-generalisation of youth crime leading to inequalities of crime in Australia.
Outcomes - On completion of this unit students will be able to:
AOS1: On completion of this unit students will be able to identify deviant behaviours and antisocial behaviours and their impacts on forensic and criminal profiling
AOS2: On completion of this unit students will be able to apply critical higher order thinking skills to examine youth crime in focus and inequalities of crime in Australia
Assessment
Pathways
AOS1 - Criminal Profiling and Prison Design
AOS2 - Short Answer Responses
Pathways into VCE
Sociology
Legal Studies
Psychology
Textbook requirements:
No textbook required
Resources/Requirements:
School laptop provided in School Bundle
A4 Exercise Book & pens
Additional Costs:
Career Pathways
What Courses/Careers this could lead to
Having an understanding of criminology and criminal justice opens the door to many career opportunities. Some of these career paths include; positions with corrections Victoria such as police officers, public service officers and prison guards. Further career opportunities lie in the Defence Force where being able to analyse a person's character comes with many advantages and understanding.
At a tertiary level, an understanding in criminology can spark interest in forensic science, psychology and law. It can also provide insight into social work, especially with those who are impacted by the law and those ultimate consequences.
Note: Only some courses at Bachelor Degree level will require this course. Some Diploma courses may require this course also.