Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

White-collar crime is becoming more common in Australian society. Street crime still exists but there are a larger number of people in a position to participate in white collar crime and new opportunities are presented by a more corporatised and technological society. Greater resources are being applied to detect these crimes within police services, and new agencies, such as the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, are being developed to specialise in the oversight and prosecution of offenders. The circumstances in which the crimes occur and the technological considerations raise unique questions for investigation and prevention. The background to the nature of white-collar crime is provided in JSN105 White Collar Crime - Investigations and Prevention. This unit assumes a familiarity with the nature of the offences and will provide the student with an outline of techniques for prevention and detection of white collar crime.

Aims

This unit will enable you to become familiar with the standard forms of investigation and prevention of white collar crime. At the end of the course you should have a sound knowledge of the crimes themselves, case studies, how they occur, how they can be prevented and key points for detection.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a strong understanding of a variety of white-collar crime investigation and prevention techniques;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of these issues as they relate to Australian society and other jurisdictions.. You should achieve this objective by using research skills in the identification of contemporary case studies;
3. Demonstrate your ability to critique and analyse in order to identify the effectiveness and appropriateness of investigative and preventative techniques. You should be able to meet this objective using an ethical orientation and critical thinking skills;
4. Present logical arguments using written communication skills, time management and independent working skills; and
5. Demonstrate that you understand the system of oversight and detection, and the role of policing agencies dealing with white-collar crime.

Content

The content of this unit has both theoretical and practical elements so as to ensure that you gain both understanding and some applied skills. Information provided will cover the law in relation to the offence type, the nature of the offences, detection methods and prevention methodologies.

1. The nature of white collar crime
2. Corporations - investigation
3. Corporations - internal oversight
4. Government crime - investigation
5. Government crime - internal oversight
6. Government crime - external oversight
7. Government crime - external oversight
8. Consumer Crime - investigations
9. Consumer Crime - external oversight
10.Computer crime - investigations
11.Computer crime - prevention
12.Identity theft - investigations
13.Identity theft - prevention

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is available in external mode and has a multi-faceted approach to teaching. You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning and to work as an effective and supportive team member. External delivery encourages the use of career and community contacts to enhance skills and knowledge learning. You are also required to engage in independent research, and are encouraged to undertake various activities designed to enhance your knowledge, understanding and participation.

Underlying equity and social justice issues relevant to white collar crime investigation and prevention will be incorporated into the teaching program. A commitment to reflect on the practical and applied aspects, as well as to critically evaluate the knowledge, information and understanding derived from the unit content will also be encouraged from everybody. A commitment to completing relevant readings and modules from the study guide will be expected from all students.

A central feature of the approach to teaching and learning for this unit is the embedding of various skills and knowledge that contribute to the four core attributes that you are expected to learn and demonstrate. All units in the School of Justice Studies reflect particular graduate attributes and skills. This unit has embedded several core attitudinal, cognitive, communication and relational skills into its teaching, learning and assessment.

Assessment

Assessment for this unit is as follows.

Assessment name: Report
Description: First Briefing Note.
Students are required to prepare a 2500-3000 word briefing note. The assignment must be in the format of a Briefing Note as outlined on the unit's QUT Blackboard site.
Relates to objectives: This assessment covers each of the objectives 2, 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Report 2
Description: Second Briefing Note.
Students are required to prepare a 2500-3000 word briefing note. The assessment piece must be in the format of a Briefing Note as outlined on the unit's Blackboard site.
Relates to objectives: This assessment covers each of the objectives 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Report
Description: Second: Briefing Note.
Students are required to prepare a 1000 word briefing note. The assessment piece must be in the format of a Briefing Note as outlined on the unit's Blackboard site.
Relates to objectives: This assessment covers each of the objectives 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 5%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 10

Assessment name: Essay
Description: All students will complete the final essay. The essay will cover all the material of the course. Students will be asked to write a 3000 word essay. The question will be released on Blackboard three weeks prior to the due date.
Relates to objectives: This assessment covers each of the objectives 1-5.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required textbook: TBA Recommended references: TBA Internal students will be provided with the Unit Information booklet at the first lecture. The required textbook (see above) will be available for purchase from the Gardens Point Bookshop. The Readings and Study Guide will be available through online teaching and the Course Materials Database via this unit's QUT Blackboard site as well as on Limited Access from the Gardens Point library. Study plan You should allow 9-12 hours per week for your study of this unit; I have divided the work by weekly components. You should aim to complete the week's work every week.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 07-Aug-2012