Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC2104: Victimology

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Content

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:

What is a Victim? - An introduction to the module and the “core” definitions of “victim”.

Beyond the Primary Victim – In what sense might relatives of primary victims and relatives of offenders be seen as victims of crime? Is bringing them within the definition of “victim” useful?

“Victim-Centered Justice” - An overview of UK policies that seek to improve the experiences of primary victims and involve them in the criminal justice process.

Beyond the UK – How are victims of crime involved in justice processes outside the UK – such as in restorative justice processes?

“Victim-Centered Justice?” - To what extent should victims of crimes be involved in the criminal justice process? Does this involvement have an implication for the fairness of the offender's trial?

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
22128

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activity1111 x 1-hour seminars (lecturer's explanations, student participation and discussion)
Scheduled learning and teaching activity114 x 1-hour tutorials involving studying documentary evidence about the experiences of victims of crime and their involvement in the criminal justice process in the UK and US, 7 x 1-hour linked tutorials involving presentations, discussions, and debates; revision/prep for exam session
Guided independent study40Reading assignments and preparing for the tutorials
Guided Independent Study20Preparing for essay assignment
Guided independent study15Additional reading/research
Guided independent study53Preparation for and completion of all exams

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).