Courses & Units

Special Topics in Criminology HGA238

Introduction

This unit is offered to provide students an introduction to a specialised sub-field of criminology, and the ability to investigate a set of topical issues in society and the criminal justice system more broadly. The topics selected change bi-annually depending on the assigned unit coordinator. Organisational Crime and Deviance has been selected as the Special Topic for 2025.

Over the 21st century there has been a renewed interest in the criminal acts and omissions, harms, and deviance within organisations. The crime may vary, though similar questions are asked: how such conduct was able to take place, how could it continue undetected, why was it not stopped? This interest has been typified through the publication of a series of high profile corporate and organisational crimes within the media, various governmental and independent inquiries, legislative change, and popular culture.

Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, in this unit you will explore explanations as to why and how crime and deviance takes place within organisations, and what can be done to minimise and prevent such conduct. Analysis will shift across the differing levels of organisations (micro, meso, and macro), and the role of organisational culture in organisational compliance and wrongdoing. Topics covered within this unit include but are not limited to: criminal negligence; environmental harms; wage theft; and toxic organisations.  

 

Summary

Unit name Special Topics in Criminology
Unit code HGA238
Credit points 12.5
College/School College of Arts, Law and Education
School of Social Sciences
Discipline Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator Doctor Michael Guerzoni
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

This unit is currently unavailable.

Note

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Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the theoretical underpinnings and scope of applied practice within [the special topic].
  • Analyse key debates about crime and criminality in relation to [the special topic].
  • Assess practical implications that flow from the analysis.
  • Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
not applicable

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 points at 100 level

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

HGA321

Teaching

AssessmentAssignment (20%)|Tutorial Participation (20%)|Public Communication (25%)|Assignment (35%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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