SOC3133 - Foundations in Criminology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Document patterns of criminal offending according to official statistics and self-report studies
Explain basic concepts and theories that criminologists and academics draw upon as they analyse crime.
Outline several responses that policy makers have implemented to address patterns of criminal offending.
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.

Content:

This module focuses upon crime such as patterns of crime and key theories. Criminological issues and concepts are investigated during this unit by drawing upon the work of key academics and criminologists. Concepts such as social control, crime, deviance, victimisation, the media and punishment options will be explored. Crime statistics, self-report studies and non-crime related social trends will also be examined. Introductory level theories will be examined over the unit to try and make sense of each of these. Policy-makers’ attempts to address important social problems, including criminality, will also be reviewed. Finally, a range of topical and relevant areas associated with criminology 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 social 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 key trends and academic theories. Students will undertake problem-solving learning and be involved in formative peer assessment of each others work. Students will also be encouraged to take part in online discussion groups. Online quizzes such as forms and Vevox will be used and resources will be drawn upon to support students’ learning through the Moodle platform. All learning will be supportive to foster increased self-confidence and academic ability.

Lectures/workshops/seminars
Hours: 80
Intended Group Size: Cohort = 30

Guided Independent Study
Hours: 220

Further details relating to assessment
The individual essay will focus on an area of crime with the focus on presentation of statistics, exploring the explanations offered by theorists and what the criminal justice system does to tackle this issue.This knowledge will be developed through the self-directed learning and teaching to elicit and use evidence of student understanding associated with the learning outcomes. This will take place at the end of semester 1.

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.This will be achieved by exploring several key themes during taught session, in class discussions and self-directed reading. This will take place at the end of semester 2.

Feedback with be given during the unit on completion of tasks which will help learners to develop their knowledge and understanding and formally through the assessed tasks.

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

Assessment:

001 Essay; 1,500 words; end of semester 1 60%
002 Small group discusion; 15 minutes; equiv to 500 words); end of semester 2 40%

Fact File

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

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