Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC2035: International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

Module Aims

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)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. 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;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. 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;
Personal and Key Skills7. 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.

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 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 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 activity113 x 1 hour data analysis tutorials; 8 x 1 hour linked tutorials involving presentations and discussions; revision/prep for exam session
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

Online Resources

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