Module Information

Module Identifier
CR32220
Module Title
Criminology and Psychology Disseration 2 (sem 1)
Academic Year
2013/2014
Co-ordinator
Miss Jennifer Rachel Phipps
Semester
Semester 1
Mutually Exclusive
CR32320
Pre-Requisite
CR32020 or CR32120
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 6 Hours. 3 x 2 hour lectures
Seminars / Tutorials 1 x 2 hour seminar
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Dissertation  100%
Supplementary Assessment Dissertation  100%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

(a) demonstrate an appreciation of the research potential of subjects by identifying a viable topic for research;

(b) locate relevant material, in particular through the use of bibliographical guides and subject databases, and demonstrate an ability to sift though and discern the most important sources;

(c) plan, organise and timetable a sustained piece of research over a period of some months;

(d) organise ideas and order material for the effective presentation of argument, critical evaluation, data and concluding remarks;

(e) critically analyse and evaluate criminological and psychological material;

(f) present a clear, accurate, analytical and readable account of the subject in question

Content

1 Location of research questions and research design;
2 Ethical Issues;
3 Plagiarism;
4 Writing up;
5 The substantive topic is chosen by the student on advice and approval from staff

Brief description

The conducting and evaluation of empirical and theoretical research are central to both criminology and psychology and this module seeks to develop research, project management, and writing skills.


This module comprises an exercise in sustained criminological and psychological research and writing in relation to a special topic rather than being based on a prescribed course of study. It is for the student to select a subject for detailed research with the approval of the Department and then to proceed to the research and writing stages of the exercise under the supervision of a member of staff with knowledge of the field in which the subject of the dissertation is located.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Many of the texts will involve complex statistical analysis which will need to be understood and evaluated.
Communication Oral communication will be encouraged through a discussion of ideas and an articulation of problems associated with the research at meetings with the supervisor. Written communication will be enhanced by preparing a clear, accurate and readable account of the subject in question. Written communication assessed only.
Improving own Learning and Performance Through development of a substantial body of knowledge and a need to locate and organise relevant material the student will learn to develop more effective academic techniques.
Information Technology Location of relevant material, in particular through the use of bibliographical guides and subject databases; Preparation of the assignment electronically.
Personal Development and Career planning Enhanced capacity for independent and critical thought. Good time-management skills in preparing for seminars and submitting work on time.
Problem solving To set a viable topic for research, set a research question and then work towards answering it involves problem solving skills and will both enhance and draw upon already developed skills.
Research skills The development of research skills is inherent in a dissertation module.
Subject Specific Skills Nothing additional to the above
Team work There will be a number of meetings called at which students can, under supervision and guidance, discuss and compare problems they have faced and possible solutions.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6