Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This qualification is designed to equip students with the necessary research skills to undertake independent scientific research in a specialised area of inquiry. Within an ethical framework this would refer to adequate research problem formulation and development, familiarity with and integration of relevant literature that informs the research question and the application of relevant theoretical approaches and key research procedures and techniques at an advanced level. Systematic and sustained discussion and argumentation and integration of findings are further components using the publication and style conventions of the discipline.

Objectives

The objectives lie within five inter-related bands. These concern:

1. factual information;
2. sources and resources;
3. conceptual definitions;
4. academic debates; and
5. analytic communication skills. Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of and familiarity with the following types of information, academic perspectives and skills:

1. Illustrate comprehensive knowledge of conflict, crime, victimisation or criminal justice in a specialised area of enquiry
2. Demonstrate the ability to critically appraise knowledge of conflict, crime, victimisation and criminal justice in the selected specialised area of enquiry
3. Indicate the ability to conduct independent research in the specialised area of conflict, crime, victimisation or criminal justice
4. Illustrate the ability to contribute to knowledge in the specialised area of conflict, crime, victimisation or criminal justice
5. Report and communicate research findings in a scientific manner
6. Apply knowledge of the spesialised area of enquiry to demonstrate entrepreneurial possibilities
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when conducting research in a specialised area of conflict, crime, victimisation or criminal justice
8. Use appropriate science and technology ethically, effectively and responsibly when researching conflict, crime, victimisation or criminal justice without harming society, the environment or individuals

Assessment

Assessed in conjunction with CRI4040B

Contact hours

12 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week. The remaining 10 hours of study required will be spent in preparation for the seminar, researching and writing the final dissertation.

Prerequisites

BA Major in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Co-requisites

Theoretical perspectives on conflict, crime, victimisation and criminal justice (proposed new unit) + Research Methodology: Criminology, Victimology and Criminal Justice(proposed new unit)