Penology and Corrections

Undergraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
CRIM 2001
Course ID icon
Course ID
201073
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
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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 examines crime and punishment in modern society. It explores the emergence of modern forms of punishment, the rationales for various types of punitive techniques (e.g. fines, conferencing, suspended sentences, imprisonment) and the effectiveness of punishment in terms of deterring individual offenders from further offending. The course explores the role and impact of imprisonment, the experience of living and working in prison, as well as the challenges faced by those released from juvenile and adult custodial environments. It focuses on correctional strategies, such as the Risk-Needs-Responsivity model, desistance, reintegration and rehabilitation. It also examines community corrections and trauma-informed and humane approaches to corrections.

Course learning outcomes

  • Explore the history of punishment and corrections in Australia
  • Examine the structure and function of correctional institutions
  • Critically discuss and apply theoretical principles to contemporary correctional strategies and programs that support offender rehabilitation and desistance
  • Discuss the complex factors that impact on offender desistance

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A