faculty of management, commerce and law

school of law

department of criminal justice

year: 2025

learning guide

Category Description

Module / Course Title Criminology: The Application of Criminological and

Victimological Theories in the Analysis of Crime
Module / Course Code CRM 3141

Module / Course Credit Value 12

National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level

7
Date of Approval of Module / Course by School
(This is compulsory as it is a safeguard against the
teaching of illegal modules)

Date of Review by Faculty

Name of Lecturer/s Prof S.A Olofinbiyi

Name of Module / Course Coordinator (Where Dr A.N Mulaudzi

applicable):

1
Table of Contents Page No
1. Welcome Statement----------------------------------------------------------------------------2
2. Role Players -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
3. Tentative Lecture Times and Venues -------------------------------------------------------- 2-3
4. Module Description & NQF Descriptor---------------------------------------------------------3
5. Purpose of the Module-------------------------------------------------------------------------4
6. Prior Learning Requirements------------------------------------------------------------------4-5
7. Structure of the Module------------------------------------------------------------------------5-6
8. Learning Outcomes, Criteria, Activity and Task-----------------------------------------------7-9
9. Teaching Methods-------------------------------------------------------------------------------9-10
10. Notional Study Hours---------------------------------------------------------------------------10
11. Module Content Outline-------------------------------------------------------------------------10-11
12. Information on Assessment Administration --------------------------------------------------11-12
13. Roles and Responsibilities of the Learner-----------------------------------------------------12-13
14. Roles and Responsibilities of the Lecturer----------------------------------------------------13
15. Readings----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13-14
16. Plagiarism and Referencing--------------------------------------------------------------------14
17. Referencing and Assignment Format----------------------------------------------------------14-15
18. Conclusion--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15

1. WELCOME STATEMENT
You are welcome to the module entitled, Criminology: Application of Criminological and
Victimological Theories in the Analysis of Crime (CRM 3141/3541). In order to advance
knowledge in this module, It is crucial to know that the purpose of theories is to propose
explanations for a particular phenomenon, which in this instance, is crime. This module offers
students an opportunity to subject a theory to scientific testing, refuting, and reformulation.
Several criminological and victimological theories will be examined to provide a scientific basis
for which to explain crime and victimisation. Intellectual schools of thought that explain criminal
behavioural patterns will be introduced, critically evaluated and assessed in this module.

Be diligent in your studies and in the completion of your tutorial tasks, and you will enjoy
success in the long run. Do not discontinue your studies without first discussing any problem
you may be experiencing with your lecturer. A diversity of information is contained in this
Learning Guide to put you through your study. You are, therefore, advised to study it
comprehensively.
I’m looking forward to meeting all of you in class and at office hours during consultations.
More importantly, please don’t hesitate to drop by or email me during the course of the study
should this become necessary.

2
Congratulations on this positive step, which you have taken to advance your knowledge and
enrich yourself towards a promising future!

Warmly,
Prof Sogo Angel Olofinbiyi

2. ROLE PLAYERS
Name Office No Email/Tel No Consultation
Times
Dr S.A Olofinbiyi F019 [email protected] Tuesday: 11:00-
015 9629366 12:00
Wednesday
10:0011:00

Class
Representative 1
Class
Representative 2

3. TENTATIVE LECTURE TIMES AND VENUES

Lecture Time Lecture Venue

Tuesday 10:00-10:50 A7
Wednesday: 09:00-09:50 A7

4. MODULE DESCRIPTION & NQF DESCRIPTOR

CRM 3141 is a 12-credit third-year module offered in the first-semester at NQF level 7. The
module is designed to assist students develop a critical and analytical of thinking such that will
enable them to evaluate and apply theories in practices. A basic understanding of the historical
development of criminology/ victimology and a thorough knowledge of the various schools of
thought and theories of crime are important. The module is further designed to provide a
complete and integrated study of victimization, including a comprehensive review of the history
and theories of victimology, the interaction of crime victims with others in the criminal justice
system, as well as an in-depth examination of current and classical works in the field of victim
services.

3
5. PURPOSE OF THE MODULE
“Criminology: The Application of Criminological and Victimological Theories in the Analysis of
Crime” consists of two units. The first unit tackles criminological theories and the second unit
deals with Victimological theories. The first unit of this module, ‘criminological theories’ is
designed to engage students in the process of summarising, evaluating and empirically testing
criminological theories. Students will review the current state of criminological theories as part
of class discussion. An empirical paper with a case study will be provided for analysis so that
students can identify a suitable research question that tests a unique hypothesis that advances
a theory. The module will enable students to write up an analysis and present their findings in
class. The exercise will prepare students for an advanced criminological research module.
Furthermore, the module will focus on importing concepts from other social science disciplines
to advance the testing of theories of crime. The second unit of this module ‘victimological
theories’ is developed to provide an advanced integrated study of victimisation. The module
takes as its point of departure international discussions on victims of crime and its relevance
to international criminal justice system. It further examines recent international developments
and international protocols on victims’ rights as well as some specific patterns of victimization.
This also includes a review of relevant aspects of international law and comparative national
legal systems. The interactions between crime victims and the justice system are further
examined with a special emphasis on restorative justice and other indigenous justice
approaches within the South African context. The student will be expected to critically analyse
current as well as classical works in the area of victim service. The module will also provide
insight into the development of the movements of crime victims. This module applies the
knowledge gained in the second-year module on victimology by conducting case studies in
which students are expected to examine the relationship between victim and offender during
the victimisation process. Victim empowerment policy implementation assessment will also be
conducted. This topic will be engaged experientially whereby students will have service
learning at a victim crime- assistance agency of their choice and later submit a report on the
agency’s functionality in victim assistance. Throughout the course, factors relating to race,
age, gender, class, ethnicity, sexuality and disability will be examined.

6. PRIOR LEARNING REQUIREMENTS

Students need to possess the following:
• the ability to learn independently.
• the ability to communicate effectively in both spoken and written English.
• the ability to apply problem-solving techniques to practical situations.
• the ability to read and write effectively.
• the ability to work/ participate in a group task
4
7. STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE
The following structure will help students work through the content of the module.
The course consists of a theoretical component and assessment tasks (comprising
formative and summative assessments). It is designed to equip students with the
knowledge of following as expressed on the table below:
SEMESTER 2
Period Activity

January-February Registration activities

Mid-February Week 1 & 2

1. INTRODUCTION (CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORIES)
• Schools of thoughts in criminology
• Comprehensive review of theories
• Sociological theories
• Neutralization theories
Week 3 & 4
2. THEORY INTEGRATION
• Biological theories
• Psychological theories

March Week 1 & 2

3. VICTIMOLOGICAL THEORIES
• Lifestyle Exposure Model of Personal victimisation
• Routine Activities Approach
• Opportunity Model
• Differential Risk Model
• Extended Low Self-Control Theory
• Extended Control Balance Theory Week 3 & 4
4. POLICY AND LEGISLATIVES FRAMEWORK
• United Nations General Assembly
• 1985 Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for
Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power

5
 • 2006 Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a
Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of
International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of
International Humanitarian Law
• Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment

April Week 1
(Recess)
Week 5 & 6
5. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
• Child Justice Act
• Children’s Act
• Constitution of the Republic of South Africa
Criminal law Amendment Act
• Domestic violence Act
• Prevention of harassment Act
• Service charter for victims of crime Week 7 & 8
6. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
• Restorative justice and policy
• Effectiveness of restorative justice

May Week 9 & 10

7. VICTIMISATION PATTERNS

• Gender- Based Violence

8. VICTIM EMPOWERMENT
• Victims needs and support
• Key developments in the establishment of victim
empowerment in South Africa
• Critical Assessment of Victim Empowerment

Week 11 & 12
• Study week & examination commence
June Final examination

8. LEARNING OUTCOMES, CRITERIA, ACTIVITY AND TASK

6
Learning Assessment criteria Teaching activity Assessment
Outcomes At the Task
Competency to be proven How the learning
end of this module,
students will be able material is studied How it will be
to … assessed

Conduct a Their ability to conduct a 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials

comprehensive review of
comprehensive 2. Class discussions * Assignment
criminological theories
review of *Test/Examina tion
3.Tutorial classes
criminological 4.Research activity
theories

Analyse various Their ability to analyse 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials

intellectual schools various intellectual
2. Class discussions * Assignment
schools of thoughts in
of thoughts in *Test/Examina tion
criminology 3. Tutorial classes
criminology 4. Research activity

Apply sociological Their ability to apply 1. Formal lectures *Tutorials

theories of deviance sociological theories of *Assignment
2. Class discussions
in explaining criminal *Test/Examina tion
behaviour and crime deviance in explaining 3. Tutorial classes
criminal behaviour and 4.Research Activity
crime

Critically discussing Their capacity to critically 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials

the neutralisation- discuss the
2.Class discussions *Assignment
drift theory, neutralisationdrift theory,
*Test/Examina tion
delinquency and delinquency and crime 3.Tutorial classes
crime 4. Research activity

Examine the Their ability to examine 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials

the biological and
biological and 2. Class discussions *Assignment
psychological
*Test/Examina tion
psychological explanations of deviance 3. Tutorial classes
explanations of and criminal behaviour
4. Research activity
deviance and
criminal behaviour

7
Investigate theory Their ability to investigate 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials
integration towards a theory integration 2. Class discussions *Assignment
towards a
multidimensional multidimensional 3.Tutorial classes *Test/Examina
approach approach 4.Research activity tion

Conduct review of Their ability to conduct 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials

victimological review of victimological 2. Class discussions *Assignment
theories
theories 3.Tutorial classes *Test/Examina
4.Research activity tion

Analyse International Their ability to analyse 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials

developments and International 2. Class discussions *Assignment
International developments and 3.Tutorial classes *Test/Examina
protocols on victims’ International protocols on 4.Research activity tion
rights victims’ rights

Discuss patterns of Their ability to discuss 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials

victimization patterns of victimization 2. Class discussions *Assignment
3.Tutorial classes *Test/Examina
4.Research activity tion

Assess the Their ability to assess the 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials

Interactions between Interactions between 2. Class discussions *Assignment
crime victims and crime victims and justice 3.Tutorial classes *Test/Examina
justice system system 4.Research activity tion

Critically discuss Their ability to critically 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials

restorative justice discuss restorative 2. Class discussions *Assignment
within the South justice within the South 3.Tutorial classes *Test/Examina
African context African context 4.Research activity tion

8
 Critique Indigenous Their ability to critique 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials
justice approaches Indigenous justice 2. Class discussions *Assignment
within the South approaches within the *Test/Examina
3.Tutorial classes
tion
African context South African context 4.Research activity

Demonstrate trends Their ability to demonstrate 1. Formal lectures * Tutorials

trends in victim service
in victim service 2. Class discussions *Assignment
*Test/Examina
3.Tutorial classes
tion
4.Research activity

Assess victim- Their ability to assess . Formal lectures * Tutorials

offender relationship victim-offender relationship
2. Class discussions *Assignment
during victimization during victimization
*Test/Examina
3.Tutorial classes
tion
4.Research activity

Review legislatives in Their ability to review 1 Formal lectures * Tutorials

victim empowerment legislatives in victim
2. Class discussions *Assignment
empowerment
*Test/Examina
3.Tutorial classes
tion
4.Research activity

9. TEACHING METHODS
A blended learning approach is followed. Apart from formal lectures per week, there
are also tutorials and the use of e-learning. Power-Point slides guide the teaching and
discussions in class. Students are expected to come to class already prepared to
engage with the learning materials. The learning guide sequence under each unit is
closely followed. Students must take their own notes during lectures and supplement
them with the prescribed materials referred to in the course outline. This course uses
Microsoft Teams (Teams meeting). Course materials, including Power-Point slide

9
notes and test memoranda are accessible online and can be downloaded. Two class
representatives (male and female) will be elected by the class to liaise with and assist
the lecturer in communicating with the class and circulating attendance registers.
Specifically, there are (3) three categories of teaching method which are useful in this
module teaching approach: presentation methods, participatory methods and
Feedback/discovery methods.

10. NOTIONAL STUDY HOURS

CRM 3141 is a 12-credit bearing course. It thus demands 120 notional hours of study
to successfully complete the course. Attendance of formal lectures, weekly mandatory
tutorial groups, research and study for completion of assessments, selfstudy unit work
and the final examination culminate into these hours being met.
The notional hours comprise of the following:

 Contact Time: 3 x lectures per week ×14 weeks = 42 hours

 Self-study: preparing for each lecture = 42 hours  Preparing for
assessments, including examinations = 36 hours
*Total = 120 hours

11. MODULE CONTENT OUTLINE

UNIT I: CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORIES
• Comprehensive review of criminological theories
• Intellectual schools of thoughts in criminology
• Sociological theories of deviance, criminal behaviour and crime
• Neutralisation-drift theory, delinquency and crime
• Biological and psychological explanations of deviance and criminal behaviour
• Theoretical integration towards multidimensional approach

UNIT II: VICTIMOLOGICAL THEORIES

• Review of victimological theories
• International developments and International protocols on victims’ rights
• Patterns of victimisation
• Interactions between crime victims and justice system
10
 • Restorative justice within the South African context
• Indigenous justice approaches within the South African context
• Trends in victim service
• Victim - offender relationship during victimization
• Victim empowerment

12. INFORMATION ON ASSESSMENT ADMINISTRATION

Assessment plan

All the formative and summative assessments listed below are compulsory. Both
assessments culminate in a semester final mark obtained and these comprise two
components:

Formative assessment

 Two (2½) hours written tests (50% each) = 100%

 One written individual research-based assignment = 100%

Summative assessment

This is a final 3-hour closed-book written examination at the end of the semester.

• Admission to the examination is dependent on achieving a 40%

semester mark.

• The semester mark contributes 60% and the exam mark 40% towards
the final mark.

• Semester mark = Tests + Assignment = DP

• 60% Semester mark (DP) + 40% examination mark = 100% Total Mark for
the first semester academic calendar.

*Feedback for tests and the assignment will be given when marked scripts are
returned. Memoranda for tests, assignment and tutorial questions will be made
available on Blackboard/Student Moodle Site after each completed task.

Assessment: Rules and Requirements

Written tests: School policy dictates that a student who misses a test must within 7
days of the test submit a written reason, supported by a documentary proof, why
he/she should be granted another opportunity.
11
Assignments: The University observes a no-tolerance stance towards students
copying someone else’s work or committing plagiarism. Students making themselves
guilty of either of these will suffer its consequences.

Non-attendance of tests/ examination

Candidates will only be granted re-tests on submission of medical report or other documentary
proof of absence (such as court appearances or death in the family)

Late Assessment submission

If you submit an assessment after the deadline (Assignment due date), your mark will be
reduced by 10 percent (i.e. you will receive 90 percent of what you would have received).
Assessment submission after 1 day of the deadline will receive a 20 percent deduction.
Assignments turned in 2 days late will not be accepted.

13. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LEARNER

 Full-time students are obligated to attend all lectures and related teaching
activities to comply with the notional hours requirements. This includes
completing all assessments tasks on time.

 Students are subject to the University rules and must at all times observe them.

 Classes are mandatory and attendance is monitored through attendance

registers.

 Students are expected to come to classes already prepared to engage with the
study materials during lectures.

 It is expected that you study all the themes (learning units) or parts provided on
Moodle or in the Library

 Attend class and participate in group discussion!

 Look over the learning outcomes for each class

 Attend discussion sections and work on assigned problems and quizzes

 Review the materials covered in Lectures (see Lecture slides)

 Write the class test

12
 Submit the assignment

 To obtain at least 40% average for these assessments to be allowed to sit for the
examination.

 Qualify to write the exam and pass the examination

 It is incumbent on each student to familiarise him/herself with the following two

uploaded documents on Blackboard, referred to in this learning guide:

 Council on Higher Education’s Qualification Standard for Bachelor of Criminal

Justice; and

 Descriptors for the South African National Qualifications Framework (Level 5).

14. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LECTURER

• To facilitate discussions and offer lectures when and where required
• To give guidance to learners regarding the scientific composition of assignments
• To properly evaluate assignments, test, presentation and give study guidance through
comments.
• To compile examination papers in order to evaluate the student’s knowledge of the
module
• To give students’ academic guidance regarding the contents of the study material on
appointment.
• The lecturer must be conversant and up-to-date with the study materials, and be fully
prepared to make class presentations meet the course objectives.

• The lecturer must reasonably be available for student consultation.

• The lecturer must refrain from any conduct that may subject students to any form of
harassment or victimisation.

15. READINGS
This learning guide directs students to the chapters in the prescribed textbooks
identified below. All the reading materials identified in the content outline (11 above)
will be assessed, i.e. textbooks, case law and legislation. The onus is on students to
study and give account of it all. The primary recommended textbooks that will be used for
this course is:

13
 • Bezuidenhout, C. (2011). Southern African Perspective on Fundamental Criminology.
Cape Town: Pearson.
• Peacock R (ed). (2018). Victimology in Africa 7th edition. Pretoria: Van Schaik
publishers.

• Lilly JR, Cullen FT, & Ball RA (2017). Criminological theories. Sage Publications.

• Stephen E.Brown, Finn-Aage Esbensen & Gilbert Geis.( 2019). Criminology:

Explaining crime and its context. 10th ed. Routledge

• *Olofinbiyi, S.A. (2022). Anti-immigrant violence and xenophobia in South Africa:

Untreated malady and potential snag for national development. Insight on Africa: A
Journal of Contemporary African Affairs, 14(2). Sage Publications. DOI:
10.1177/09750878221079803
• *Rakubu, K. A., Olofinbiyi, S. A. (2022). Review of exponential rise in domestic violence
amid Covid-19: theories and perspectives. ScienceRise: Juridical Science, 1 (19), 44–
56. doi: http://doi.org/10.15587/2523-4153.2022.254309
•

Note: *Slides from the lecturer will be forwarded to students.

*STUDY GUIDE compiled by the lecturer will be forwarded to all students.

16. PLAGIARISM AND REFERENCING

Plagiarism is when another author’s work is used without acknowledging it.

Penalties for plagiarism and copying

The first-time plagiarism discovered will result in a failed mark on the assignment in
question. Do not attempt to copy work from another
student at any time. We have ways of depicting this in
subsequent assignments and other courses; and will lead to
more severe penalties ranging from failure of the whole
course to suspension from the university.

17. REFERENCING AND ASSIGNMENT FORMAT

The assignment marking rubric is presented below.

14
Technical 10 • Cover page attached
Presentation • Times New Roman – Front, size 12
• Page numbers included
• 1.5 Line Spacing
• 2cm Margins
• A4 typed pages excluding the cover page.
Introduction 10  Has a strong central idea (thesis) that is related to the
assignment;
Body 50 • Has a clear, logical organization with well-developed major
points that are supported with concrete and
specific evidence;
• uses effective transitions between ideas;
• uses appropriate words composing sophisticated sentences;
• expresses ideas freshly and vividly;
• is free of mechanical, grammatical, and spelling errors
Conclusion 20  Effectively links the concluding argument with the central idea
indicated in the introduction.
References 10 • Harvard Referencing
• Correct in-text referencing
• Separate Reference page
• The failure to have in-text reference or have a Reference page
will be considered as plagiarism.
• Plagiarism- will disqualify your essay- this means
you will obtain zero and you will be disciplined
using the universities disciplinary processes. You
will not get a second chance for any plagiarized
task.
Total 100%
18. CONCLUSION
Students need to take responsibility of their studies by ensuring that they attend all
lectures. The capacious nature of the materials covered in this course demands that
students be dedicated in preparing themselves daily for classes by doing the
prescribed readings.

“Enjoy this module and do your best to make the study worthwhile and
rewarding. Let it make a difference in your life”.

courtesy of:
prof s.a. olofinbiyi

15
16