Criminologists have a long-standing interest in how offenders are punished. Situating punishment historically and comparatively before focusing on the functions, experiences and implications of modern techniques of punishment, this course introduces students to the key thinkers, ideas, problems and debates within the field of penology. This entails evaluating theories, studies, trends and practices of punishment. We will consider the history and changing function of punishment before analysing issues such as: court/trial administration, sentencing,rehabilitation,prison privatisation, mass incarceration, incapacitation, juvenile detention, probation, justice reinvestment, restorative justice, collateral penality, and alternatives to prison. We will contemplate how broader social, economic and political forces significantly shape the everyday administration of punishment and explore how criminal justice policies and programs differentially impact upon particular groups, ensuring their over-representation in prison facilities. We will also explore the arguments and activities of prison reform activists and imagine the future of penality.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an understanding of how social, historical, cultural, political and economic forces shape the administration and experience of punishment;
- source and evaluate research that engages the effects of criminal justice punishment on individuals, families, communities and society, as a whole;
- identify and engage the key issues, problems, trends, ideas and debates within the field of penology; and
- discuss research, present findings and develop arguments, both orally and in writing.
Indicative Assessment
- Seminar participation (10) [LO 1,3,4]
- 2 x Quiz (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Research project (2000 words) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Written reflection on guest lecturer (1000 words) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks consisting of lectures and tutorials (some online options will be available).
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable.
Preliminary Reading
The prescribed reading will be available on Wattle. It will include texts from a range disciplines, including criminology, law and sociology
Assumed Knowledge
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.