This module exposes students to a range of substantive criminological and methodological issues in areas of the discipline informed by current research. This module is designed to cover areas of contemporary concern in criminology that are not covered in the other criminology modules that are running in that year. This means that the areas covered will vary to an extent from year to year but will include introductions to topics in which current staff are regarded as national and international experts. The module provides students with the opportunity to explore issues at the forefront of the discipline that are not covered in more detail in the other specialist modules in criminology at Level 3.
Topics covered in the module may include some of the following:
Youth Crime
Cyber Crime
Genocide and Crimes against Humanity
Crime and Ageing
Criminological theory
Policing
Crime control, safety and security
Crime and Social Policy
Sentencing and penal policy
Crime reduction/ community safety
Terrorism and criminology of war
Forms of offending and control
Students will be able to pick and specialise in one topic area or in the comparison of two or more areas. This will alllow students to engage in a certain amount of independant study resulting in a 3000-3500 individual research report. This may be attractive to students who would like to be able to demonstrate independant study skills but who do not wish to complete a 30 credit dissertation.
To allow students who wish to carry out some form of independant study but who do not wish to complete a 30 credit dissertation to carry out such a piece of work in the context of contemporary criminology.
will be achieved by assessments: 2,3
demonstrate a systematic understanding and application of key aspects of criminological theory (including theories at the forefront of the discipline). will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
demonstrate an awareness of the uncertainties and ambiguities of knowledge, and adapt existing social and criminological theories to the analysis of new or under-researched social phenomena. will be achieved by assessments: 2,3
critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem in contemporary criminology will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
11 x 120 minute group sessions
11 x 120 minute advanced preparation for sessions
106 hours of personal study and preparation for summative assessment.
1500 word review of key literature relating to one of the thematic sessions (or a relevant criminological topic by prior agreement with the module leader)
Developing from assessment 1, students will complete and submit a short plan for an extended individual report - to be duscussed and agreed with the tutor.
Developing from assessments 1 and 2, students will complete and extended individual report based on a topic produced by the student that relates to one of the thematic areas of the module (or on another related criminoloical topic by prior agreement with the module leader).
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This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.