Module Information

Module Identifier
LC24220
Module Title
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
Academic Year
2019/2020
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 9 x 2 Hour Lectures
Seminar 7 x 1 Hour Seminars
Workshop 1 x 2 Hour Workshop
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written Report  3000 word reflective report  50%
Semester Assessment Group Oral Presentation  20 minute group oral presentation  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmit Assignment  Resubmit failed or missing 3000 word reflective report  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resit Essay assignment  Submit missing or failed oral presentation as 2000 essay  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

​1. Display an understanding of the major theories, concepts, values, debates, principles, and approaches relating to a wide variety of contemporary issues in criminology.

2.Explain how crime, deviance, and victimisation are socially and legally constructed, with reference to contemporary issues in criminology.

3.Identify the key issues, policies, processes, institutions, actors, and debates surrounding contemporary and newly emerging issues in criminology.

4.Explain how discussions relating to contemporary criminological issues are utilised on a local, national, and international basis and their impact upon political, media and popular opinion in this area.

5.Identify the key dynamics, processes and problems facing contemporary criminological theory and practice.

6.Explain how approaches to criminology help us to understand and influence its effects, and how this is in turn influenced by other theories from related disciplines.

7.Assess the merits of competing theories, policies and intellectual approaches concerned with a range of contemporary issues in criminology.

8.Display a reflective approach to various contemporary issues facing criminology and show a critical understanding of analytical methods.

9.Communicate the contemporary theories of and associated research in criminology effectively to diverse audiences.​

Brief description

The module will study in depth at least three areas of contemporary criminology. Each area will study theoretical, practical and research data. Each year the subject matter of the course will be chosen to reflect the broad basis of the discipline.

Content

​This will be flexible in order to keep up-to-date with alterations in criminology but, currently, would include areas such as:

Mentoring - peer and adult
Computers, the Internet and criminology
Policing the Past - Reconstruction of Court Cases/Court Case reviews
Race and hate Crime
Resettlement of Offenders
ADHD and Crime / Impulsivity and Crime
Does the Media Cause Criminality?
Psychology and Terrorism
Media presentations of violent crime
Crime and penal heritage sites

Delivery:
9 x 2 hour lectures
7 x 1 hour seminars
1 x 2 hour workshop (before the seminars)

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Understanding and evaluating relevant quantitative research data will be a small part of the module.
Communication Oral communication skills will be in sessions through interactive learning - not assessed. Written communication skills will be practised through note taking both in lectures and private study and in formal submission of written work in assignments.
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will be encouraged to practise and test their own learning and ability to use and interact with the materials through interactive learning in lectures.
Information Technology Preparation for the assignment will require use of the library databases and other electronic databases..
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 Much of the module involves the study of theories developed to explain certain types of behaviour. It also includes consideration of present means of control. Students will have to assess these and apply them in specific case studies.
Research skills Criminology necessarily involves an interdisciplinary approach therefore students will be introduced to research tools in a number of different subject areas. They will be supported and encouraged develop research skills over these areas. They will be encouraged to read widely and to locate materials both in the library and on-line
Subject Specific Skills Reading and understanding relevant materials in the field of Criminology.
Team work This will be developed through exercises and problems set in seminars and a group presentation.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5