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 Content
Syllabus Plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Introduction
- Theoretical frameworks on policy change
- The role of academics in bringing about policy change
- The role of other actors in bringing about policy change
- Case studies
- One of more issues around policy-making in the police (which may include use of force, stop and search, special constabulary, equality and diversity issues and other topics of public policy concern)
- One or more issues around policy-making with regards to the judiciary, sentencing, legal and due process (which may include the use of magistrates, judges and juries; forms of sentencing and sentencing alternatives, IPP sentences, equality and diversity issues)
- One or more issues around policy-making in detention (which may include immigration detention, equality and diversity issues, prison monitoring and oversight)
- One or more policy issues elsewhere in the broader criminology landscape
- Limits and unintended consequences of policies
- Planning for and evaluations of policies
- The ‘impact agenda’
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activity | 11 | 11 x 1 hr lectures |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activity | 11 | 11 x 1 hr seminars |
| Guided independent study | 28 | Reading for seminars |
| Guided independent study | 30 | Preparation of poster |
| Guided independent study | 70 | Preparation of policy briefing |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
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.
