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CRIM11-114: Media Criminology

Description

This subject develops your ability to critically analyse how journalists and media organisations report, frame, and construct narratives about crime and criminal justice. You will examine relationships between police and the media; coverage of courts, prisons, victims and offenders; and the legal constraints that shape reporting, including contempt, suppression orders, and defamation. Drawing on empirical research in media criminology, investigative journalism, and psychological and sociological studies of high-profile crime reporting, you will explore how crime stories influence public perceptions and policy debates. The subject also investigates the shifting landscape of legacy media (such as newspapers and television) and new media platforms (including social media, podcasts, streamed series, documentaries, films, and gaming). In addition, you will learn how to use AI tools ethically and responsibly for academic and professional purposes, and critically assess how AI-generated content, algorithms, and misinformation shape contemporary crime narratives.

Subject details

Type: Undergraduate Subject
Code: CRIM11-114
EFTSL: 0.125
Faculty: Faculty of Society and Design
Semesters offered:
  • September 2025 [Standard Offering]
Credit: 10
Study areas:
  • Psychology, Criminology, and Social Sciences
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2025: $4,460.00
  • Commencing in 2026: $4,600.00
  • Commencing in 2025: $5,990.00
  • Commencing in 2026: $6,260.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Explain foundational theories, concepts, and research approaches in media criminology, including how media shape public perceptions of crime and justice.
  2. Analyse how different media forms represent crime and criminal justice issues, applying criminological concepts and empirical evidence in written form.
  3. Present comparative analyses of media representations of crime orally.
  4. Apply ethical standards, legal principles, and professional codes of practice relevant to crime reporting and media production.
  5. Use AI tools ethically, responsibly, and transparently in academic and professional contexts.
  6. Evaluate the role of AI-generated content, algorithms, and misinformation in shaping crime narratives.

Enrolment requirements

Requisites:

Nil

Assumed knowledge:

Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.

Restrictions:

Subject dates

  • Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 20/07/2025
    Semester start: 15/09/2025
    Subject start: 15/09/2025
    Last enrolment: 28/09/2025
    Teaching census: 10/10/2025
    Withdraw - Financial: 11/10/2025
    Withdraw - Academic: 01/11/2025
Standard Offering
Enrolment opens: 20/07/2025
Semester start: 15/09/2025
Subject start: 15/09/2025
Last enrolment: 28/09/2025
Teaching census: 10/10/2025
Withdraw - Financial: 11/10/2025
Withdraw - Academic: 01/11/2025