International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime
| Module title | International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime |
|---|---|
| Module code | SOC3036 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Katharine Boyd () |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
This module is an introduction to the nature and scope of international and transnational crime and how different criminological theories explain these crimes. In this era of globalization these crimes are becoming more common and have larger and more harmful effects on people and societies. You will be introduced to different philosophical approaches theorists have made in explaining crime and how each theory poses unique policy implications for how to address these crimes in societies. There are no pre-requisites or co-requisites for this module.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide you with introductory knowledge of international criminal justice concerns with transnational and international crime in the globalizing world. It aims to teach you how to apply criminological theories and develop your critical thinking skills to engage in theory-based policy discussions.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate a clear and detailed understanding of transnational and international crime;
- 2. Critically assess criminological theory;
- 3. Demonstrate a knowledgeable ability to apply critically criminological theory to transnational and international crimes;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of theoretical frameworks and their application to this subject area;
- 5. Demonstrate a critical understanding of evaluating theories and their implications for relevant policy;
- 6. Critically assess research, policy debates and your own arguments;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized and effective manner;
- 8. Demonstrate disciplined independent study skills;
- 9. 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 themes over one or more weeks:
- Introduction to International Criminal Justice and Criminological Theory –What is the purpose and use of theory?
- Theoretical Frameworks in Criminology –Strain theories, Control theories, Biological/Psychological theories, Deterrence and Rational Choice/Routine Activities theories, Social Disorganization theory, Social Learning theory, Labeling and Radicalization theories
- Transnational Crime –discuss various types of transnational crime (e.g. cybercrime, money laundering, environmental crime, etc.), theoretical explanations for these crimes, and theory-based policy implications
- Transnational Organized Crime –discuss the history of transnational organized crime and impact of globalization, and apply criminological theories
- International Crime –discuss international crimes: war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of aggression, and genocide
- Explanations of International and Transnational Crime –comparing theoretical explanations for these types of crime and developing research designs to test theories
- Delivering International Justice –discuss how the world attempts to deal with transnational and international crimes
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 11 | 11 x 1-hour seminars (lecturers explanations, student participation and discussion) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 11 | 3 x 1 hour data analysis tutorials; 8 x 1 hour linked tutorials involving presentations and discussions; revision/prep for exam session |
| Guided Independent Study | 24 | Reading assignments and preparing for the tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Preparing tutorial presentation |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Additional reading/research |
| Guided Independent Study | 54 | Preparation for and completion of all exams |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line tests | 2 hours total (6 elements of 20 minute tests spread out over the term) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 | Written |
| Participation in seminars | Active participation based on readings | 1-8 | Verbal |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to readings: group presentations (normally groups of 3, depending on student numbers) | 25 | 10 minute presentations | 1-9 | Verbal class feedback |
| Contributions to discussions | 15 | Continuous assessment of contributions to discussions in 11 x 1-hour seminars | 1-9 | Verbal class feedback |
| Examination | 60 | 120 minutes | 1,2,3,4,5,8,9 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to readings | 5 minute individual presentations to the lecturer | 1-9 | TBA with students |
| Contributions to discussions | 1000 word comment-piece on three selected seminar themes | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
| Examination | Examination (120 minutes) | 1,2,3,4,5,8,9 | August/September reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
When students’ ability to participate in seminars is severely impaired (normally, more than three affected lectures) for condonable reasons, an alternative to contributions to discussions will be offered.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Braithwaite, J. (1989). Criminological Theory and Organizational Crime. Justice Quarterly 6(3): 333-358.
Dammer, H.R., and Albanese, J.S. (2010). Comparative Criminal Justice Systems.
Akers, R.L. (2003). Criminological Theories: Introduction and Evaluation.
Jewkes, Y. and G. Letherby (eds.) 2002. Criminology.
Kramer, R.C. and Michalowski, R.J. (2005). War, Aggression and State Crime: A criminological analysis of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. British Journal of Criminology 45: 446-469.
Liska, A. E. (1990). The Significance of Aggregate Dependent Variables and Contextual Independent Variables for Linking Macro and Micro Theories. Sociology Psychology Quarterly 53: 292-301.
Maguire, M., Morgan, R. and Reiner, R. (eds.) (1997) The Oxford Handbook in Criminology.
Natarajan, M. (ed.). (2011). International Crime and Justice.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 20/12/2014 |
| Last revision date | 11/11/2021 |
