Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC3036: International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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. 

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 transnational and international crime;
2. Critically assess criminological theory;
3. Demonstrate a knowledgeable ability to apply critically criminological theory to transnational and international crimes;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of theoretical frameworks and their application to this subject area;
5. Demonstrate a critical understanding of evaluating theories and their implications for relevant policy;
6. Critically assess research, policy debates and your own arguments;
Personal and Key Skills7. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized and effective manner;
8. Demonstrate disciplined 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

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:

  • 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 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 activity 1111 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 Study30Preparing tutorial presentation
Guided Independent Study20Additional 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).