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CRI-30038 - Module Specification
School of Social, Political and Global Studies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

CRI-30038 - State crimes and crimes against humanity
Coordinator: Stephen Jones
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Students need to have studied
CRI-10013
CRI-20016

Barred Combinations

No

Description for 2023/24

State Crimes and `Crimes against Humanity¿ have drawn the attention of criminologists only recently. This module provides students with in-depth information on these `new¿ topics in criminology, placing a focus on the historical and current injustices faced by the Global South and Black, Asian and minoritised Ethnic (BAME) groups. The focus is on explanations of state crimes and crimes against humanity, and on regulatory models and perspectives in this field of study.
The module analyses in depth topics briefly explored earlier in the level five module on `Crime and Justice in a Global Context¿, seeking to identify the colonial systems, structures and relationships often underpinning mass atrocities. Students who take the level six module shall be introduced to more philosophically inspired reflections on the issues of state crimes and crimes against humanity.

Aims
This module provides students with an opportunity to engage with an in-depth criminological study and analysis of state crime and crimes against humanity. It analyses in greater depth topics briefly explored earlier in the level five module on Crime and Justice in a Global Context, drawing upon a range of theories. The module also places a specific focus on the historical and current injustices within the Global South, aiming to provide students with the tools to identify and understand colonial systems, structures and relationships - both within the module and beyond.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/cri-30038/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse the dynamics underpinning events of state crime and crimes against humanity: 1
analyse and contextualize events of state crime and forms of reconciliation: 1
draw upon a range of theories to explain events of state crime and crimes against humanity: 1
locate the potential as well as the problems inherent in a variety of forms of regulation of state crime and crimes against humanity: 1
identify colonial systems, structures and relationships to understand the historical and current injustices faced by the Global South and Black, Asian and minoritised Ethnic (BAME) groups: 1

Study hours

12 hours of interactive lecture activity
12 hours of tutor led small group/seminar activity
24 hours of directed online asynchronous activity designed to help students for in situ classes and/or reflect on issues covered in sessions
102 hours personal study, additional self directed preparation for classes, assessment preparation, etc

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Case Study weighted 100%
3,000 word case study
This assessment requires students to undertake their own independent research into state crimes and crimes against humanity, and to critically analyse the ways in which their chosen example connects with theoretical understandings of mass atrocity. Students will produce a case study which offers: - an overview of the context underpinning the chosen example; - an outline of the events, groups involved and any forms of reconciliation in the aftermath; and - critical theoretical analysis and discussion, drawing on at least 3 of the core texts covered on the module Students will have a formative opportunity to receive feedback on a case study plan during the semester.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024