Key facts
UNE unit code: CRIM233
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Throughout history there have often been 'moral panics' associated with serial killers, and a longstanding tradition of social fascination with these figures.
In this unit you will critically examine the social construction of serial killers.
Examining the source of fascination, this unit will use various case studies of serial offenders to analyse how police have investigated these crimes; how the offenders have subsequently been treated by the criminal justice system; and how offenders have been portrayed.
You will assess the construction and representations of such figures, including media coverage and 'dark tourism' and analyse ways that offenders have been understood and regarded, and how this has influenced criminal justice practice.
You will also explore public fascination with serial killers, and how this manifests in different leisure and tourism activities for people, ranging from documentaries to real life ghost tours.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- critically analyse the various components of serial crime and serial criminals and public fascination within these aspects;
- articulate and assess how serial offenders and serial crime have become a leisure activity;
- apply and assess how serial crimes are investigated and prosecuted;
- evaluate accuracy and misrepresentation in sources used to present case studies of serial offenders; and
- model research, analysis, and communication skills that contribute to life-long application in a professional career.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Online Quiz | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) |
Oral Presentation | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) |
Written Assessment | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 2250 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.