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Staffing

Examiner:

Rationale

Central to the definitions of both ‘crime’ and ‘victim’ is the concept of harm suffered. The recurrence of this concept indicates the centrality of victims in understanding crime and offending behaviour. The experience of victimisation, however, differs from one individual to the next depending on the unique vulnerabilities they present with and the context in which their victimisation occurs. Because the experience of victimisation is not consistent, it is therefore integral to ensure policy and practices that govern responses to victims are informed by risk factors known to place victims and potential victims in positions of greater vulnerability. Studies in victimology consider how victims are defined, theories and experiences of victimisation, and associated impacts, implications and responses. This course highlights the importance of these considerations by examining a range of specific victimisation types, the unique risk factors associated with each, well known cases which illustrate the theoretical propositions presented within theories of victimology, and the range of impacts and implications that transpire from differing victimisation experiences.

Synopsis

Victimology in context introduces students to the concept of victim and theories of victimisation that seek to provide explanations accounting for why some people are at greater risk of being victimised than others. Students will examine victimisation across varying contexts and in association with particular vulnerabilities, such as: gender, relationships, and domestic violence; age, child abuse, and elder abuse; race, hate, and racially motivated crime; disadvantage, human trafficking and slavery; and socio-demographics and bullying. Responses to victims are also examined with an emphasis on how the factors unique to each type of victimisation experience as well as the impacts of victimisation are a central consideration to developing appropriate responses to victims. Students will consider key cases illustrating various examples of victimisation and the representation of victims in both the media and the criminal justice system. Throughout this course and built into the assessment schedule, students will have the opportunity to develop communication, reflective evaluation and critical thinking skills.

Objectives

Topics

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

Reference materials

Student workload expectations

Assessment details

Important assessment information

1. Attendance requirements:
   
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them, to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
   
   
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   
   Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S2 2020 are:
   To satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks for that item.
   
   Requirements after S2, 2020:
   To satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks for that item.
   
   
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   
   Students should refer to the Assessment Procedure (point 4.2.4)
   
   
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   
   Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S2 2020 are:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
   
   Requirements after S2, 2020:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
   
   
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative items for the course.
   
   
6. Examination information:
   
   Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S2 2020 are:
   An Open Examination is one in which candidates may have access to any printed or written material and a calculator during the examination.
   
   Requirements after S2, 2020:
   CLOSED: In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
   
   
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   
   Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S2 2020 are:
   The details regarding deferred/supplementary examinations will be communicated at a later date.
   
   Requirements after S2, 2020:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
   
   
8. ¾«¶«´«Ã½app Student Policies:
   
   Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene ¾«¶«´«Ã½app policies and practices. These policies can be found at .
   
   

Assessment notes

1. Referencing in assignments must comply with the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th edition referencing system. This system should be used by students to format details of the information sources they have cited in their work. The (APA) style to be used is defined by the USQ library’s referencing guide.