ObjectivesThe aim of the Bachelor of Social Science (Justice Studies) course is to provide an education for justice system workers that is informed by a critical understanding of the theories of justice administration, current research and best practice in relation to the provision of services, within a strong ethical framework. The correctional industry provides a service to the community, which is often unrecognised and undervalued. The skills, knowledge and values needed to work in this industry are becoming more complex and multifaceted.
Entry requirements1. Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree in Community Services; plus 2. at least two years' experience in adult or youth corrections; or 3. completion of two-thirds of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science degree in relevant disciplines; and 4. at least two years' work experience in adult or youth corrections.
Academic titleBachelor of Social Science (Justice Studies)
Course descriptionEducation in justice studies will inform professional practice through:
1. providing for the development of an ethical framework for practice;
2. developing a critical approach to current issues facing the criminal justice system;
3. developing an awareness and skills for working in an increasingly complex and multifaceted industry;
4. developing skills of lifelong learning;
5. supporting and developing the 'learning culture' embedded in the two ACT correctional agencies.
Career Opportunities
* Administration
* Advocacy
* Development of youth policy
* Research
Bachelor of Social Science (Justice Studies)
BSocSc(JusSt)
80 cp
Minimum duration: 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time.
Course available at: Canberra, ACT
EFTSL value of units: All 10 cp units in this course have an EFTSL value of 0.125. Units with a cp value of a multiple of 10 have corresponding EFTSL values.
1. Requirements for Completion of the Degree
To qualify for the degree, a student must complete:
1.
1. an Advanced Diploma (Associate Degree) in Community Services or equivalent and a minimum of two years experience in adult or youth corrections; or
2. at least 160 cp (two/thirds course requirements) from a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science degree in relevant disciplines and normally two years work experience in youth or adult corrections;
and
2. 80 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings.
Schedule of Unit Offerings
Unit Code Credit Points Unit Name
SWTP300 10 Theories of Justice Administration
SWTP301 10 Current Issues in Justice and Corrections
SWTP302 10 Ethics, Justice and Corrections
SWTP303 10 Case Management
SWTP304 10 Critical Incident Management
SWTP305 10 Managing in the Workplace
SWTP306 10 Indigenous and Diverse Groups
SWTP307 10 Workplace Research and Learning
SWTP300 Theories of Justice Administration
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation A variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes and self-directed packages may be utilised. Duration: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
The unit explores theoretical orientations to justice and correctional methodologies, including notions of social justice and human rights, and philosophical and spiritual/theological perspectives on the human person. The following theoretical discourses will be reviewed and considered in relation to justice and corrections: Social Pathology, Social Disorganisation, Value Conflict, Deviant Behaviour, Labelling, Critical Theory, Feminism, Constructionist, Postmodernism and Post-structuralism. Students will be introduced to a framework for managing competing theories in the workplace. The unit examines the history, development and trends of "justice" with an emphasis on the Australian context.
SWTP301 Current issues in Justice and Corrections
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation A variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes and self-directed packages may be utilised. Duration: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
The purpose of this unit is to examine current issues in justice and corrections. The unit will analyse the complexity of current expectations of correctional institutions (and the justice system) including issues such as HIV/AIDS, suicidal behaviour, addictions, mental health, management of diversity populations (Indigenous, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people, women, aged cohorts).
SWTP302 Ethics, Justice and Corrections
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation A variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, and self-directed packages may be utilised. Duration: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
This unit seeks to give students an understanding of the concept of justice and introduces them to some current theories of ethics, including a consideration of the philosophical and religious sources of ethics. A study of these provides a foundation for critical reflection on contemporary issues in justice and corrections. The distinction between law and ethics will be central to the study.
The unit is practically oriented and analyses a range of ethical issues pertinent to the profession. These fall into three categories: those related to the nature, limits and types of criminal justice and punishment; issues linked to the duty of care, the dignity of the human person, the obligation to care for the vulnerable (especially people from Indigenous groups, the mentally ill, those from non-English speaking backgrounds, those with limited academic background); and thirdly, issues related to professional competence, standards and corruption.
SWTP303 Case Management
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation A variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, and self-directed packages may be utilised. Duration: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
The unit explores theoretical orientations to case management as a service delivery approach. Students will examine history and contemporary applications of case management (internationally and Australian context). Attention will be given to the examination of the characteristics of case management and the principles underpinning its practice. Students will examine models of case management, discourses of service delivery and expectations of practitioners working within this service delivery approach. Particular attention will be given to the application of case management in justice and correctional environments.
SWTP304 Critical Incident Management
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation A variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes and self-directed packages may be utilised to introduce and explore the contexts of justice studies. Duration: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
This unit is a reflective practice unit. Student will apply the theory to their practice. It will examine international literature on critical incident management practices, and cultural differences reflected in this literature. It will also examine patterns of critical incident development, including pre-conditions, escalating factors, incident management techniques and strategies, human resource management and the nature of debriefing.
SWTP305 Managing in the Workplace
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation A variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes and self-directed packages may be utilised to introduce and explore the contexts of justice studies. Duration: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
The unit is an applied study building on current work practice. The content will explore contemporary perspectives on the workplace including: managing self in the workplace, thriving in teams, managing others, managing in an organisation and managing resources. The unit will have an emphasis on the context within which managers and workers operate.
SWTP306 Indigenous and Diverse Groups
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation A variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes and self-directed packages may be utilised to introduce and explore the contexts of justice studies. Duration: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
The unit recognises the impact of disadvantage of particular individuals and groups in the justice system. The nature of marginalisation, factors contributing to and maintaining disadvantage, and the consequences of experiencing disadvantage will be analysed. Particular attention will be paid to the unique experience of Indigenous Australians in the justice system. In addition the unit will address the issues that arise for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Attention will also be given to the issues for women and young people in the system and the emergent issue for older people in institutional environments.
SWTP307 Workplace Research and Learning
10 cp
Prerequisites Nil
Teaching Organisation A variety of teaching and learning strategies such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes and self-directed packages may be utilised to introduce and explore the contexts of justice studies. Duration: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.
The unit identifies the importance of lifelong learning in the workplace and teaches skills in work-based research and communication. The skills of action research are central to participant observation and learning and are utilised to assist workers to analyse learning in the workplace and their own work. Workers will be expected to develop skills in recognising issue complexity, develop valid tools of analysis and apply action research skills to enhance workplace learning.