Explaining Crime and Deviance

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
CRIM 1003
Course ID icon
Course ID
201069
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course offers an introduction to the discipline of Criminology by examining the nature of crime and exploring key theories which seek to explain why people commit crime. The first part of the course explores how crime is defined and represented, while the second part studies the causes of crime and theoretical arguments that explain offending. The course takes a critical approach to crime, challenging existing understandings about crime as it explores different perspectives. Ultimately the question is posed as to whether the insights offered into the varied motivations to commit crime are practically useful in its prevention or reduction.

  • Foundations Of Criminology
  • Crime, Society And Culture
  • Social Processes And Critical Approaches

Course learning outcomes

  • Identify the different conceptualisations and representations of crime
  • Analyse the social, political, cultural, and economic context of criminal activities
  • Use criminological theory to offer explanations for criminal and deviant behaviours
  • Compare and critically evaluate explanations of crime

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A