Module SOC2036 for 2016/7
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SOC2036: International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime
This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.
Module Aims
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.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate an understanding of transnational and international crime; 2. Demonstrate knowledge of criminological theory; 3. Demonstrate ability to apply critically criminological theory to transnational and international crimes; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Demonstrate understanding of theoretical frameworks and their application to this subject area; 5. Demonstrate understanding of evaluating theories and their implications for relevant policy; 6. Clearly present research, policy debates and your own arguments; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized, and effective manner; 8. Demonstrate 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. |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
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 and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| 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 |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Verbal |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| 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 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | Verbal class feedback |
| Contributions to discussions | 15 | Continuous assessment of contributions to discussions in 11 x 1-hour seminars | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | Verbal class feedback |
| Examination | 60 | 120 minutes | 1,2,3,4,5,8,9 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| 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 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | TBA with students |
| Contributions to discussions | 1000 word comment-piece on three selected seminar themes | 1,2,3,4,5,6, 8,9 | August/September assessment period |
| Examination | Examination (120 minutes) | 1,2,3,4,5,8,9 | August/September assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
When students’ ability to participate in seminars is severely impaired (normally, more than three affected seminars) for condonable reasons, an alternative to contributions to discussions will be offered.
Indicative Reading List
This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.
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.
