Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Youth Justice

• Unit Code

  CRI2202

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr James Patrick MCCUE

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Description

This unit introduces students to the theoretical explanations of youth offending. This unit also explores youth justice policies and practices over time. On completion of this unit, students will have an understanding of the causes of youth offending, the major issues that are associated with juvenile offending, the institutions of youth justice and the challenges encountered with preventing, and responding to, youth offending.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 120 credit points

Equivalent Rule

Equivalent to CRI3103

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Critically discuss the theoretical explanations of youth offending.
2. Critically discuss youth justice policies and practices over time.
3. Explain the common features of youth offending such as the distribution and nature of offences.
4. Critically discuss the effectiveness of different sentencing strategies.
5. Describe the short and long term effects of different types of punishment on young people.
6. Explain the social factors commonly associated with youth offending.
7. Apply the principles of sentencing to young people.

Unit Content

1. The police and young people.
2. Working with young people.
3. International and cross-cultural perspectives in youth justice.
4. Community corrections and young people.
5. Theoretical explanations of youth offending.
6. Diversionary practices with young offenders.
7. Youth offending risk factors.
8. The nature and extent of youth crime.
9. Young people and drug use.
10. Young people in detention.
11. The courts and young people.
12. Ethical issues associated with young offenders.
13. Historical and contemporary youth justice policies and practices.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit is conducted in both the on-campus and off-campus modes. On-campus students are required to attend a three-hour seminar each week. The seminars are designed to introduce the students to the core theories and concepts relevant to the topic of young people and crime. Seminar activities are used to encourage critical thinking and communication skills though problem-based scenarios. Industry relevant guest speakers deliver some seminar content to help students understand the application of youth justice principles. Assessment methods are aimed at students' academic and professional development and provide them the opportunity to demonstrate their content knowledge, critical thinking and written communication skills. Off-campus students are provided with an electronic recorded seminar each week. All information is delivered to off-campus students via Blackboard. The seminars are designed to introduce the students to the core theories and concepts relevant to the topic of young people and crime. Online activities are delivered via the online modules and the discussion board and are designed to encourage critical thinking and communication skills though problem-based scenarios. Industry relevant guest speakers deliver some seminar content to help students understand the application of youth justice principles. Assessment methods are aimed at students' academic and professional development and provide them the opportunity to demonstrate their content knowledge, critical thinking and written communication skills. Regular online access is essential.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Cunneen, C., & White, R. (2011). Juvenile justice : Youth and crime in Australia. (4th ed.). South Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press.

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