SOC6082 - Critical Criminology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Identify and critically evaluate the contributions of critical criminology in understanding aspects of criminology that remain neglected by traditional criminological study.
Contrast and interpret the ways in which powerful institutions become constructed as perpetrators of social harms whilst delivering 'justice'.
Critically evaluate a real-life case study, using critical criminological theory, media representations, and identifying links to government policy.
Communicate and argue effectively using various mediums.

Content:

This module will provide an advanced introduction to critical criminological theory. Critical criminology is a heavily theoretical branch of criminology which asks us to 'speak truth to power'. Critical criminologists identify the injustices that can be found within both wider society and more acutely within the criminal justice system. This module will ask students to re-think about crime, deviance and crime control from the perspective of social justice, state accountability, and to consider decarceration as the ultimate goal in securing 'justice'. This module will be particularly useful for students considering progressing to post-graduate study.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Students will be taught this module through a variety of lectures and seminars. Students will receive interactive lectures that seek to situate critical criminological theories and perspectives in contemporary contexts. Seminars will then utilise students additional readings, combined with the taught lectures, to promote discussion, debate, and further understanding.

Lectures
Hours: 15
Intended Group Size: 50

Seminars
Hours: 15
Intended Group Size: 50

Guided independent study
Hours: 170

Further details relating to assessment
Essay: 2,000-word essay (50%) that critically evaluates theoretical underpinnings of a key issue in critical criminology. Full guidance will be given within lectures and workshops.

Poster presentation: A1 (800 words) with a 10-minute oral or 2,000-word equivalent written exposition (50%). The poster will focus upon a key issue for critical criminology. Full guidance will be given within lectures and seminars.

Assessment:

001 Essay 1,500 words mid-semester 2 50%
002 Poster presentation; 800 words; end of semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - David Temple
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6S2

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