Key facts
UNE unit code: CRIM303
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Our understandings and perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system are often informed by popular culture. In this unit you will investigate how popular culture representations shape public opinion, political policy and criminal justice practices. You will learn how to assess mainstream and alternative sources of popular culture, and discover how these differing sources present and challenge key crime stories.
The emerging role of social media will be examined, including the use of social media by: police to solve crimes and connect with the community, citizens to broadcast state violence and vigilante collectives (such as ‘Anonymous’) to present perceived failures of justice. In this unit you will consider how popular culture both reflects popular sentiment about harms, and how it can call into question which harms should be criminalised.
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:
- critically analyse portrayals of crime, victimisation and justice;
- articulate how popular culture and media representations inform and influence responses to crime and the criminal justice system;
- identify limitations and restrictions in sources analysed, including in regards to evidence used, technical and practical constraints;
- demonstrate critical thinking in assessing how social media is used by citizens, criminal justice agencies and vigilantes;
- evaluate accuracy and misrepresentation in sources in regards to crime and criminal justice institutions: police, courts and correction; and
- model specialist analysis, research, and communication skills that contribute to life-long application in a professional career.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Take Home Exam | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Written Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Online Posts No. Words: 1000 |
| Written Assessment 2 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2000 |
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: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Crime, Media and Culture
ISBN: 9781138946002
Greg Martin, Routledge 1st edn 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
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