Module SOC3121 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SOC3121: Policy Analysis in Criminology
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
This module aims to give participants first-hand experience of developing and delivering a policy brief on a contemporary issue in criminology, with a particular focus on the police, prisons and detention and the justice system. In so doing, it will give them the opportunity to explore theoretical debates about policy change, to discuss substantive policy issues in social and criminal justice and to develop practical employability skills, including oral, written and presentational skills.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate detailed and sophisticated knowledge of a contemporary policy issue in criminology; 2. Generate and justify recommendations around a contemporary policy issue in criminology; 3. Understand and critically apply theories of policy change; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Analyse contemporary policy issues in criminology; 5. Understand and critically assess theory pertaining to criminology policy; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 6. Plan, develop and deliver a clear, concise and well timed poster presentation; 7. Demonstrate the design and / or PowerPoint skills necessary to produce a visually pleasing, understandable poster; 8. Plan, develop and deliver a policy briefing with an Executive Summary. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehearse poster presentation in a small group (4 5 people) during seminars | 5 minutes | 3, 5 - 7 | Feedback will be given by peers, supported by the tutor. This will also give students the opportunity to informally practice / develop skills around giving and receiving feedback. Additional support will be provided by the tutor during office hours. |
| Participation in seminars | 3, 5 - 7 | Verbal feedback by tutor. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 0 | 30 |
...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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A poster presentation (comprising 1 poster / power-point slide and 1 x 5 minute presentation to be delivered during seminar slots) | 30 | 1 x 5 minute presentation to seminar class. 1 x power-point slide (or other media, as agreed) | 3, 5 - 7 | Written |
| 4000 word policy briefing, which will include an Executive Summary of 500 words | 70 | 4000 words | 1 -5, 8 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster presentation to seminar group | Poster accompanied by 5 minute oral recording of the presentation | 3, 5 - 7 | August/September reassessment period |
| Policy briefing | Policy briefing (4000 words) | 1 -5, 8 | August/September reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Assessment for this module comprises a 5 minute poster presentation to the seminar group and a 4000 word briefing. As re-assessment usually occurs over the summer it will not be possible for candidates to present to their seminar group. Therefore, they will be asked to record themselves giving their presentation and submit this to the module convenor for assessment.
