School of Justice Majors

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In 2007 during a curriculum review of the Bachelor of Justice program, the Primary Major structure was revised and streamlined to encompass current national and international trends in the broader Justice areas. Students studying undergraduate degrees in Justice select one major from the following:

• Criminology
• Policing

Criminology

Criminology is distinguished by its critical focus on crime and crime control in the context of existing socio-political and economic arrangements, as well as by a perspective cognisant of governmental practice, particularly in respect to certain ‘problem populations’. Criminology views the State as exerting particular forms of control over the definition of crime. It is critical of positivist, behaviourist and labelling practices within the criminal justice system, and seeks to advance the voice of the politically disempowered in the justice process. This change is also justified on the grounds that it will distinguish the School of Justice more easily from more ‘mainstream’ criminological courses taught elsewhere.

The Units available within this major are:

• JSB272 Theories of Crime
• JSB273 Crime Research Methods
• JSB372 Youth Justice
• JSB373 Crime and Punishment
• JSB374 Crime Prevention
• JSB378 Drugs and Crime
• LWB145 Legal Foundations A

Relevance: Public Sector; Policy Departments; Research Departments; Law Enforcement Agencies; Private Security; Family Services; Youth Services; Crime Prevention; Retail Companies.

Policing

This major examines aspects of investigation and policing within the context of the aims of the School while retaining many of the practical characteristics of the pre-existing minor. The major introduces students intending to work in investigations, intelligence or policing to the relevant issues of social justice and equity and examines the interrelationship between the police service, the government and other agencies both public and non-government.

The Units available within this major are:

• JSB273 Crime Research Methods
• JSB274 Policing in Context
• JSB375 Investigative Knowledge: People and Systems in Policing
• JSB376 Information Management and Analysis
• JSB377 Intelligence and Security
• JSB378 Drugs and Crime
• LWB145 Legal Foundations A

Relevance: Police; Transport Police; Investigative Agencies; Insurance and Banking; Military; State and Federal Government Departments and Agencies; Private Security Agencies; Brisbane City Council; National Parks and Wildlife;