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Overview

An introduction to research in criminology in global and local contexts, addressing debates related to crime, deviance and social transformation from a sociological viewpoint.

About this paper

Paper title Crime, Deviance and Social Transformation
Subject Criminology
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
SOCI 103
Schedule C
Arts and Music

Overview

An introduction to research in criminology in global and local contexts, addressing debates related to crime, deviance and social transformation from a sociological viewpoint.

The paper addresses a wide range of crime-related topics from a sociological viewpoint. We will problematise "crime" as a social phenomenon and interrogate social meanings attributed to criminal activity. The paper will familiarise students with historical and current debates related to crime and deviance and introduce them to research in criminology in both global and local contexts. This is the foundational first-year paper for students wishing to pursue a Criminology major.

About this paper

Paper title Crime, Deviance and Social Transformation
Subject Criminology
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
SOCI 103
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Eligibility

Suitable for undergraduate students interested in criminology from the viewpoint of disciplines such as Sociology, Social Work, Law, History and Politics. Cannot be taken if SOCI 103 has previously been completed.

Contact

sgsc@otago.ac.nz 

Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Fairleigh Gilmour

Paper Structure

This paper explores crime, victimisation and criminalisation from sociological and critical criminology theoretical frameworks. It is structured into five blocks:

  1. sociological perspectives
  2. critical perspectives - focus on class
  3. critical perspectives - focus on race
  4. critical perspectives - focus on gender
  5. postmodern criminology
Teaching Arrangements

Two 50-minute lectures per week

One 50-minute tutorial per week

Textbooks

White, Rob; Haines, Fiona and Asquith, Nicole L. (2023) Crime & Criminology, 7th ed. Oxford University Press: Melbourne.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will:

  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of historical conceptions of crime and punishment.
  • Understand and be able to apply different theoretical approaches to the study of crime.
  • Understand alternative perspectives on criminal justice; such as decolonising, feminist and critical approaches. 
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