Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology
| Module title | Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology |
|---|---|
| Module code | SOC1040 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Brian Rappert (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 45 |
|---|
Module description
This module offers an intermediate level analysis of crime and deviance by considering several core themes in criminology. It extends the analysis from SOC1039 “Social Issues: Part I”, the former is a prerequisite. Taking this module will extended your understanding of the multi-perspectival nature of the study of crime, to explore terrains that are often contested, and to develop a critical appreciation of the methodological issues associated with knowing rates of crime. This will be done by examining important controversies in the study of crime. The module will include elements of taught instruction and small group discussions. The main teaching method consists of lectures and tutorials. You will work independently on the summative and formative assessment exercises. It is suitable for non-specialist students and those on interdisciplinary pathways.
Module aims - intentions of the module
* Introduce you to core themes in the study of crime and deviance
* Foster understanding of the varied qualitative and quantitative methodologies for assessing crime
* Enable you to undertake independent research
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and of strengths and weaknesses of theories of crime and deviance
- 2. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the qualitative and quantitative methodological foundations of criminology;
- 3. Identify and locate relevant materials and information in support of research;
- 4. Synthesise and critically assess the relationship between disciplinary approaches to crime;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Extend your ability to apply the insights and findings in the literature to the analysis of crime;
- 6. Conduct independent research;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Communicate complex ideas in writing; and
- 8. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
Topic 1 Deviance and crime
Topic 2 Case study: drugs
Topic 3 Victimology and crime
Topic 4 Justice and crime
Topic 5 Terrorism and crime
Topic 6 Technology and new forms of crime
Topic 7 Crime and war
Topic 8 State crimes
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 122 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 22 | Two hours weekly lectures. Lectures provide students with a broad overview of the study of crime; they cover more ground than is possible in tutorials, and are designed to establish a context in which to think about the issues discussed in tutorials. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 6 | 1 hour tutorials. Exercises based on reading will be set. |
| Guided Independent study | 33 | Course readings |
| Guided Independent study | 67 | Preparation for essays, library, research |
| Guided Independent study | 22 | Examination revision. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line test | 1 hour total (5 elements of 20 minutes tests spread out over term) | 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 70 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 30 | 1,500-2,000 words | 1-7 | Written |
| Examination | 70 | 2 hours | 1-9 | Exam mark + qualities comments on request |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 1-7 | August |
| Examination | Examination | 1-9 | August |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Beirne, P. (ed) (1994) The Origins and Growth of Criminology.
Blackburn, R., The psychology of criminal conduct [1995] Wiley
Elmsley, C., Crime and Society in England, 1750-1900 (2010) Longman
Jewkes, Y. and G. Letherby (eds.) 2002. Criminology.
Maguire, M., Morgan, R. and Reiner, R. (eds.) (1997) The Oxford Handbook in Criminology.
Morrison, W., Theoretical Criminology, from modernity to postmodernism [1995] Routledge-Cavendish
Musson, A., Crime, Law and Society in the Later Middle Ages (2010), Manchester University Press.
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | SOC1039 Social Issues: Part I Introducing Crime and Deviance |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 14/11/2013 |
| Last revision date | 06/01/2015 |
