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