SOC4022 - Introduction to Criminology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts and theories for the definition and measurement of crime;

Explain how crime is constructed as a social category;

Understand the diversity of historical and cultural definitions of and responses to crime;

Relate the main theoretical perspectives in criminology to the understanding of contemporary crime problems;

Content:

This module introduces students to the study of crime. The module explores the nature and scope of criminology; the definition and measurement of crime; criminological theories, their use in understanding contemporary crime problems, and the relation of theories of crime to public policies and the criminal justice system.

Learning and Teaching Information:

In a mixture of seminars and workshops key readings in criminological theory, relevant to the social construction of crime, are presented and analysed in order to understand the differing nature of those theories. Diverse types of crime from a range of cultural and historical contexts are presented, for comparison and contrast in order to reflect upon the diverse definitions of and responses to crime.

Seminars/workshops
Contact hours: 40
Intended Group size: 80

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 - Reflective Essay Plan: students will draft a reflective essay plan detailing the approach that they may take to answering the end of semester essay. The feedback provided on students' essay plans will be useful in planning for and informing their final assessment.

Assessment 2 - Essay: Student understanding of key criminological terms, concepts and theories will be tested through an essay that is applied to diverse crime types. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the social construction of crime alongside considering historical and cultural factors that account for crime causation and construction.

Assessment 3 - Integrated Assessment: Students will be required to think about a problem/case study related to their programme subject areas. This will allow students to integrate their learning across subject areas in order to meet programme outcomes.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Emma Kelly
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4YL

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