Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC3034: International Criminal Justice: Comparative Criminology

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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 a clear and detailed understanding of comparative criminology;
2. Critically assess how comparative criminology is conducted and interpreted;
3. Engage with data sources and develop skills in basic statistical analysis;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of explanatory frameworks and their application to this subject area;
5. Demonstrate a clear and detailed 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. Analyze quantitative data using 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.

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 assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
On-line tests2 hour total (6 elements of 20 minute tests spread out over the term)1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9Written
Participation in seminarsActive participation based on readings1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8Verbal

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.

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
40600

...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Examination60120 minutes1,2,3,4,5,8,9Written
Lab assignment (Tables, graphs, analysis, and write up)40A data analysis exercise that tests knowledge of lecture material1-6,8,9Written

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 assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
ExaminationExamination (120 minutes)1,2,3,4,5,8,9August/September reassessment period
Lab assignment (Tables, graphs, analysis, and write up)A data analysis exercise (2,500 words with written analysis and tables included) that tests knowledge of lecture material1-6,8,9August/September reassessment period