Special Topics in Criminology unit (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	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator	Doctor Michael Guerzoni
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

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

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 points at 100 level

Mutual Exclusions

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

HGA321

Teaching

Assessment	Assignment (20%)|Tutorial Participation (20%)|Public Communication (25%)|Assignment (35%)
Timetable	View 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.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.