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Study information

International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology

Module titleInternational Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology
Module codeSOC2035
Academic year2024/5
Credits15
Module staff

Ms Ashley Frayling (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

30

Module description

This module is an introduction to comparative criminology and the nature and extent of crime cross-nationally. You will learn about similarities and differences in crime patterns, and responding to crime between and among countries around the world. You will be introduced to relevant international data sources on crime and taught basic statistical analysis to learn how to analyze crime trends cross-nationally using quantitative methods. This module will expose you to the value as well as the difficulties of making cross-national comparisons of crime. Additionally this module will teach you various explanations for different rates of crime and different methods for dealing with crime in different countries. 

Data Analysis in Social Science 1 (SSI1006) is a pre-requisite for this module. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide you with introductory knowledge of comparative criminology in the globalizing world. It aims to teach you how to read quantitative analysis, as well as how to conduct basic statistics with international crime data. International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology will also help develop your critical thinking skills to engage in international policy discussion.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of comparative criminology;
  • 2. Assess how comparative criminology is conducted and interpreted;
  • 3. Engage with data sources and develop skills in basic statistical analysis;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. Demonstrate understanding of explanatory frameworks and their application to this subject area;
  • 5. Demonstrate understanding of the different methods of research in the field and their implications for relevant policy;
  • 6. Clearly present 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 knowledge of descriptive statistics using quantitative data and statistical tools;
  • 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:
  • Comparative Criminology –comparing crime across nations
  • Legal traditions and Punishment Philosophies –discuss how different legal and philosophic approaches to crime result in different crime related outcomes
  • Comparing Prison Systems, Policing, & Crime Control and Prevention models
  • International Crime Statistics –critique sources of crime data 
  • Describing data –using basic statistics to compare official crime data and victimization survey data among countries
  • Comparing means and hypothesis testing –using basic statistics to compare means and test hypotheses with official crime data and victimization survey data among countries

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
22128

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity2211 x 2-hour weekly lectures/tutorials (or 1 hour lecture + 1 hour tutorial)
Guided Independent Study24Reading assignments and preparing for the tutorials
Guided Independent Study40Preparing lab assignment
Guided Independent Study10Additional reading/research
Guided Independent Study54Preparation for and completion of all exams

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Online tests30 minutes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
40600

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Examination 601 hour1,2,3,4,5,8,9Written
Lab assignment401,500 words1-6,8,9Written
0
0
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
ExaminationExamination (1 hour)1,2,3,4,5,8,9August/September reassessment period
Lab assignmentLab assignment (1,500 words)1-6,8,9August/September reassessment period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:
 
Dammer, H.R., and Albanese, J.S. (2010). Comparative Criminal Justice Systems.
Harrendorf, S. (2012). Offence Definitions in the European Sourcebook of Crime and Criminal Justice Statistics and Their Influence on Data Quality and Comparability. European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research 18(1).
Harrendorf, S., Heiskanen, M., & Malby, S. (Eds.). (2010). International Statistics on Crime and Justice.
Maguire, M., Morgan, R. and Reiner, R. (eds.) (1997) The Oxford Handbook in Criminology.
Natarajan, M. (ed.). (2011). International Crime and Justice. 
 

Key words search

Quantitative methods, comparative crime

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

Data Analysis in Social Science 1 (SSI1006)

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

5

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

20/12/2014

Last revision date

31/01/2022