Courses & Units

Media and Crime HEJ342

Introduction

This unit examines the representation of crime in the media and its role as a primary source of information for public discourse about crime, criminality and criminal justice in contemporary society. You will engage with key critical criminology and media and communications theories and concepts to analyse the construction of crime news and other popular media representations, and the broader social and political implications of these media practices. Key areas covered may include media representations of population groups in relation to crime (e.g. youth crime); the relationship between journalists and police as news sources; the laws and ethics of crime and court reporting; cybercrime; celebrity criminals; reality-based television shows and "the CSI effect"; and the impacts of social media and surveillance culture on crime reporting.

Summary

Unit name Media and Crime
Unit code HEJ342
Credit points 12.5
College/School College of Arts, Law and Education
School of Creative Arts and Media
Discipline Media
Coordinator Doctor Donald Reid
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Availability

This unit is currently unavailable.

Note

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Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

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Learning Outcomes

  • explain key criminological and journalism, media and communications concepts, approaches and methods used in the study of media and crime
  • analyse mediated representations of crime showing an awareness of the broader social and political implications of these media practices
  • evaluate and discuss the relationship between media and crime, including the role of the media in shaping public knowledge and understandings of crime and criminality

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.

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Requisites

Prerequisites

100 credit points at Introductory level or higher

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On Campus (Hobart)

Weekly online content including lectures and activities (4 hrs)

Weekly scheduled classroom tutorial (60 min)

 

AssessmentSeminar Presentation (20%)|Crime as Entertainment (40%)|Framing Crime (40%)
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.

LinksBooktopia textbook finder

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