SOC7033 - Current Criminological Concepts

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Identify and critically evaluate the contributions of emerging criminological concepts internationally that remain neglected by traditional criminological study.
Draw upon theory from a broad range of academic disciplines in order to understand and explain contemporary issues relevant to criminology.
Critically evaluate a range of powerful institutions, and to understand their relationship to a broad range of social, cultural and environmental harms.
Present sophisticated arguments and communicate complex ideas using a range of media.

Content:

The principal aim of this moduleis to introduce students to explanations of crime suited to the current timesin which we live. It will build on the criticisms levelled at 20th-century theoretical frameworks andmove forward to familiarise studentswith the latest 21st-century frameworks currently in use and/or under development. The module will place these emerging frameworks in the contexts oftoday's mutating crime and criminal markets alongsidecurrent transformations in contemporary political economy, culture, social theory, psychoanalysisandphilosophy.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Students will be taught this module through a variety of weekly lectures and seminars developed in-line with the ‘Pre-Live-Post’ Model. Students will receive interactive lectures that seek to situate criminological concepts and theories in contemporary contexts. Seminars will then build upon ‘Pre’ session tasks, combined with content delivered during lectures. The aim is to promote discussion, debate, and to encourage further research (including and beyond the ‘Post’ session task).

Lectures
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Seminars
Hours: 15
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 275

Further details relating to assessment
Formative Assessment:
As noted above, the module will incorporate a range of ‘Pre-Live-Post’ tasks, that will be structured in-line with the broader learning outcomes relevant to the assessment. There will also be a student debate on a key contemporary issue at the mid-point of Semester Two. Following the debate, feedforward will be provided linked to the summative assessment.

Summative Assessment:
6,000-word essay (100%) that critically evaluates conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of a key issue in criminology. Full guidance will be given within lectures and seminars, and within a dedicated assessment unpacking session.

Assessment:

001 Essay; 6,000 words; end of semester 2 100%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Robert Hornsby
Level - 7
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7PGS1

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