In our digital society, technology is central to how we work, study, live and play. Digital technology, including social media, has also come to play a central role in crime perpetration and response. This unit introduces students to key theories and debates in criminology about the nature, causes and prevalence of a range of cybercrimes and online harms, as well as the use of internet and digital technologies to respond to crime, record harm and seek alternative forms of justice. Topics covered include digital fraud, image-based abuse, hacking and hacktivism, online hate, digital surveillance, and digital engagement and justice.
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Learning Outcomes
| 1. | Understand and describe the main theoretical concepts in digital criminology; | ||
| 2. | Outline the nature of digital crime and harm along with the merits of current legal and other responses; | ||
| 3. | Critically reflect on the impact of digital technologies on both crime and justice. |
Assessment
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Test | Online quiz | 15% |
| Journal | Diary style posts to a class webpage. | 45% |
| Assignment | Digital group presentation | 40% |
Required reading
Digital criminology: Crime and justice in digital society
Powell, A., Stratton, G., & Cameron, R. (2018)
Routledge
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