Criminology (SOC3053)
This module description relates to the academic year 2012/3.
| Lecturer(s) | Prof Brian Rappert |
|---|---|
| Module level | 3 |
| Credit Value | 30.00 |
| ECTS Value | 15 |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Duration of Module | One Term. Term 1 |
| Total Student Study Time | 300 hours (3 hour lecture and one hour tutorial per week) |
Aims
This module engages in a wide ranging study of crime and criminals; including the causes of criminal behaviour as well as its consequences for victims and for society as a whole. Particular attention will be paid to the role of crime justice organisations in defining and responding to crime as a social problem. Those taking the module need be prepared to accept a multi-perspectival approach to Criminology, to explore terrains which are often contested, and to develop a critical appreciation of the conceptual and methodological principles that underpin disputes about crime. The module will approach such issues systematically and will aim to offer a wide ranging intellectual understanding which will enhance students' appreciation of what is at stake in the ways crime is defined, controlled and punishment. No pre-requisites or co-requisites are required. SOC 3053 has been designed to be open for students outside of Sociology and the social science more generally, including those on interdisciplinary pathways.
* Introduce students to core themes in Criminology
* Encourage an appreciation of alternative disciplinary approaches to the study of criminality
* Foster understanding of the methods for and methodological issues in assessing crime
* Improve written and interpersonal skill
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Module-specific skills:
1 Develop wide ranging appreciation of Criminology as a multi-perspectival approach, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives.
2 Effectively identify and locate relevant materials and information in support of criminological research
Discipline-specific skills:
3 Possess knowledge of a range of Criminology literature (theoretical and empirical investigations).
4 Develop the considered ability to apply the insights and findings in the literature to the analysis of crime and related matters as problems confronting our society
Personal and key skills:
5 Study independently in effective manner, including the presentation of materials for group discussions.
6 Effectively select, digest and organise material so as to produce, to deadlines, cogent and coherent arguments.
7 Develop skills through the writing of class papers and the writing of essays.
Learning/Teaching Methods
3 hour weekly lectures.
1 hour weekly tutorials - these will be led by the tutor. You will need to prepare for each seminar; most will require individual or group presentations or practical exercises.
Assignments
Formative:
On-line test (60 minutes) [ILO's 1,3,4] [On-line feedback]
Assessed:
2,500 - 3,000 word Essay
3 hour Exam
Assessment
2,500 - 3,000 word Essay (25%) [ILO's 1,2,3,4,5,6,7] [Written feedback]
3 hour Exam (75%) [ILO's 1,2,3,4 5,6] [Written feedback]
Syllabus Plan
(Indicative Listing):
Topic 1 Introduction
Topic 2 Crime, punishment and the politics of law and order
Topics 3&4 Types of crime (domestic violence, 'white collar' crime)
Topic 5 The extent of crime and criminal statistics
Topic 6 The media and crime
Topic 7/8/9 Theoretical approaches to crime
Topics 10/11/12 Policing crime
Topic 13 Victimology
Topic 14 Deviance
Topic 15 Technology and new forms of crime
Topics 16 Crime and war
Topics 17 Conclusion
Indicative Basic Reading List
Beirne, P. (ed) (1994) The Origins and Growth of Criminology.
Christie, N. (1993) Crime Control as Industry
Coleman, C. and Moynihan, P. (1996) Understanding Criminal data.
Dallos, R. and E. McLaughlin. (eds.) (1993) Social Problems and the Family.
Jewkes, Y. and G. Letherby (eds.) 2002. Criminology.
Karstedt, S. and Bussman, K. (eds.) (2000) Social Dynamics of Crime and Control: New Thoughts for a World in Transition.
Maguire, M., Morgan, R. and Reiner, R. (eds.) (1997) The Oxford Handbook in Criminology.
Simpson, S (ed) (2000) Of Crime and Criminality: The Use of Theory in Everyday Life.
Waddington, PAJ. (1999) Policing Citizens.
Walklate, S. (1995) Gender and Crime: An Introduction.
Walklate, S. (1998) Understanding Criminology.
Williams, K. (2001) Criminology: A Textbook.
ELE - http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
