CRIM7200A Criminal Justice Honours Thesis (9/18 units)

2019

9

6 x 2-hour seminars per semester

Topic Coordinator approval is required for enrolment in this topic. Students should apply via courseadvice.bgl@flinders.edu.au.

12 units of DN or better, plus 12 units of CR or better in 24 units of upper level topics in Criminal Justice or a minimum grade point average of 5.5 in 24 units of upper level topics in Criminal Justice. Students may also apply to the coordinator for special entry.

Students must meet with their supervisor once every three weeks.

With the guidance of a supervisor, students will devise a thesis proposal and execute this proposal by conducting research and writing a thesis of not more than 15,000 words. The thesis may be a critical survey of existing knowledge or a exploration of a particular area that requires the student to conduct their own research. In both cases the study should make an original contribution to the subject of criminological inquiry. The completed thesis should demonstrate the student's ability to collect and evaluate information; to test and defend an argument or thesis; and to examine critically the major theories in the area of enquiry.

The aim of the thesis is to offer Honours students the possibility to develop a comprehensive discussion on current issues in criminology and criminal justice in an independent manner, making use of the knowledge and academic skills acquired during the degree programme.

Upon successful completion of this topic, students will be able to:

• Identify, comprehend and analyse a criminological problem
• Define the criminological problem in an appropriately circumscribed way
• Read and reflect critically, contextually and independently upon criminological literature
• Design and present a piece of criminological research, to include:
  • Locating the project in its theoretical and empirical context
  • Identifying, justifying and using an appropriate methodology in tackling the research question identified
  • Showing some awareness of alternative strategies that could have been used to address the research question
  • Critically examining their own findings and drawing sensible conclusions from their findings
  • Identifying how their work might move forward by suggesting new lines of investigation
  • Giving clear expression to their ideas and structuring their argument in a logical and academic fashion