School of Sociology and Criminology  
 
 
CRI-30043 Power, Process and Victimisation  
Co-ordinator: Dr Anette Ballinger    Room: CBB1.003, Tel:33595  
Teaching Team:  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Criminology Dual Honours (Level 3)
Criminology Major (Level 3)
Criminology Minor (Level 3)
Criminology Single Honours (Level 3)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
N/A

Prerequisites
none

Description

While students of this module will be introduced to traditional theoretical perspectives and methods within victimology, the module is designed to challenge and critically assess conventional definitions of 'the victim' and 'victimisation'. This aim will be achieved by examining the processes behind, as well as the social construction of these definitions, and to situate them within a wider sociological context of power and its implementation. To this end, the module focuses on the theory, practices and policy behind the study of victimisation.

Furthermore, it encourages students to develop both analytical skills as well as an understanding of policy interventions. In turn, attaining these skills should facilitate access to careers in victim support, rape crisies centres and in the partnership work that is being developed through the inter-linking of different criminal justice and welfare agencies to provide support for victims, both at a local and national level.
Aims
to draw on both traditional perspectives rooted in positivism as well as more recently developed critical perspectives based on an analysis of power and the state.

to make theoretical links with empirical data, thus demonstrating the processes behind theorising everyday experiences of victimisation in the social world.

to analyse victimisation from three different intellectual perspectives thus encouraging identification and understanding of different value positions.

to demonstrate the relationship between theory and practice - that is - the impact theory has on both victimisation and criminal justice policies.

To equip students with the necessary skills to become well informed individuals, ready to make an important contribution to the labour market, not only in terms of careers directly related to the criminal justice system, but also to the wider sphere of employment overall.

To equip students with the necessary academic skills which prepare them for study at postgraduate level.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Critically evaluate the main theoretical perspectives within victimology will be achieved by assessments: 1 and 2, tutorial exercises
Critically analyse the main principles involved in measuring victimisation will be achieved by assessments: 1 and 2, tutorial exercises
Analyse the impact that social divisions have on the definition and construction of victims will be achieved by assessments: 1 and 2
Evaluate state and voluntary responses to victimisation will be achieved by assessments: 1 and 2
Explain the theoretical differences between state sponsored responses and independent movements' responses to victimisation will be achieved by assessments: 1 and 2
Explain the relationship between theory, policy and practice in relation to both state and independent responses to victimisation will be achieved by assessments: 1 and 2, tutorial exercises
Study hours
20 hours contact - 10 lectures &10 seminars
40 hours tutorial preparation
30 hours independent study
60 hours assessment preparation
Description of Module Assessment
01: Essay weighted 50%
Students will be assessed on the contents of the first half of the module through a 2500 word essa.
Students will be provided with a list of essay titles.
02: 2 Hour Exam weighted 50%
Students will be assessed on the contents of the second half of the module through a two hour exam
Unseen two hour exam format. Students will be asked to answer two questions
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.