Key facts
UNE unit code: CRIM324
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Government sanctioned prisons have long been a solution to problems in society and confinement of adults for serious offences is accepted as a reasonable punishment for breaking the law.
This unit provides you with an introduction to penology and the sociology of punishment. You will begin by studying the philosophical and sociological theories of punishment and the history of prisons and punishment.
You will also consider penal policy making, exploring why it is that some modes of punishment are prioritised over others.
The unit concludes by examining debates in penal reform, paying particular attention to specific issues such as the privatisation of prisons, indigenous incarceration, women in prison, prisoner health including mental illness, human rights and the impact of incarceration upon individuals and society.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent knowledge of key institutions and policies of punishment in the Criminal Justice System, with an ability to communicate this to others;
- review and critically analyse the social forces that transform policies and institutions of punishment in the Criminal Justice System;
- independently apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge to address complex issues relating to penology; and
- demonstrate autonomy, analysis and judgement through research abilities and the effective communication of this in oral and written tasks.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) |
| Quiz | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
| Written Assessment | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 2250 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Prisons and Imprisonment: An Introduction
ISBN: 9783031093005
Behan, C. and Stark, A., Palgrave 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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