SOC3023 - Issues in Criminology and Policing

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Discuss an area of interest within criminology and state why this is the case.
Present a detailed argument that supports a criminological theory in relation to an area of criminological interest.
Explain current trends and issues faced in policing.
State what the police do to reduce crime in society and how they engage with individuals and the wider community.

Content:

This module focuses upon critical and contemporary issues in both criminology and policing. It looks at how criminology can be explained and related to society and explores current trends and issues in modern day policing. These issues are investigated in a number of ways such as by drawing upon the work of key academics and criminologists.

Concepts such as crime, deviance, victimisation, retribution and non-crime related social trends will be explored and examined. Introductory level theories will be examined throughout to make sense of each of these topic areas. A range of topical and relevant areas associated with criminology, policing and crime will be explored to prepare learners for progression onto level 4.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will utilise student-centred learning. Students will be encouraged to apply criminological theories to areas of criminology and policing problems that they wish to focus upon. Debates and critical reflection will be employed to stimulate student interest. Students will work in groups to develop their understanding of modern trends and academic theories. Students will undertake problem-solving learning and be involved in formative peer assessment of each other work. Students will also be encouraged to take part in on-line discussion groups. On-line quizzes and resources will be drawn upon to support students’ learning. All learning will be supportive to foster increased self-confidence.

Lectures/workshops/seminars
Hours: 80
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 220

Further details relating to assessment
The small group discussion (4-6 learners) will focus on a topical issues relevant to contemporary criminology and an argument will be developed for how criminological theory supports and explains this topic.

The portfolio of evidence will focus on current issues faced in policing and what the police are doing to engage with the community they serve.

The Marking Matrix is applied to the marking of assessed work as in line with levels 4-6.

Assessment:

001 Small group discussion; 20 mins; end of semester 1 50%
002 Portfolio of evidence; 2,000 words; end of semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - David Stockbridge
Level - 0
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 3YL

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