Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Content

Topics will include:

• Introduction – The ‘Rational’ Criminal;
• The economic approach to crime;
• The economic theory of criminal behaviour and the causation of crime;
• Limitations of Rational Choice Theory;
• The socio-economic determinants of crime and current trends in Australia;
• Game theory;
• The costs of crime;
• Indigenous Australians and the criminal justice system;
• Cost-benefit analysis of incarceration and the criminal justice system;
• Economic theory of recidivism ;
• The underground economy. This may include victimless crimes, drugs, money laundering, prostitution, guns and native animals

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit is designed to be offered fully online and will include synchronous delivery of unit content, collaborative online learning activities and other technology-enabled learning synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities to foster interaction between students.

In order to provide students with the knowledge and analytical skills required to understand and evaluate the contributions economists make to the understanding of crime and punishment and its resourcing, this unit uses an andragogical approach to teaching and learning with an emphasis on real-world application. Lectures will provide content and theory and tutorials will provide opportunities for students to work through case studies, discuss and debate concepts and develop skills and analysis in Economics. Therefore, this unit will incorporate a variety of teaching approaches as well as carefully designed materials to enhance both student interaction and accommodate for different learning styles. Pre-recorded or streamed lectures will provide content and theory and online tutorials will provide opportunities for students to work through case studies, discuss and debate concepts and develop skills and economic analysis.

 This is a 10-credit point unit and has been designed to ensure that the time needed to complete the required volume of learning to the requisite standard is approximately 150 hours in total across the semester. To achieve a passing standard in this unit, students will find it helpful to engage in the full range of learning activities and assessments utilised in this unit, as described in the learning and teaching strategy and the assessment strategy. The learning and teaching and assessment strategies include a range of approaches to support your learning such as reading, reflection, discussion, webinars, podcasts, videos etc.