Module Information

Module Identifier
LC38220
Module Title
Drugs and Crime
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Group Work Written Assessment  3000 Words  50%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Exam (unseen)  50%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  2500 Words  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Exam (unseen)  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

Understand and apply detailed knowledge of legislation, legal instruments, case law, sentencing policies related to the prosecution of drug related crime/trafficking.

Understand and analyse critically the individual and societal impact of drug use, supply and trafficking.

Analyze, assess, and evaluate critically relevant data and research materials, and where appropriate use the information to develop and predict policy implementations and outcomes.

Engage in detailed discussion and present reasoned and evidence based argument.

Brief description

The relationship between drugs and crime is broad and multi-faceted and is a constant and ever present social problem that impacts all levels of society. This module will consider in some depth the many aspects of the topic that exemplify this problem.

Content

Consideration will be given to, but not limited to: drug trafficking nationally and internationally, political and social construction of “the drug problem” the ‘War on Drugs’, drug abuse and crime, drug related legislation and sentencing policies and consequences, evidence based approaches to drug use policy, prevention and treatment, topical issues (e.g. opioid crisis).

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication Seminar discussions will develop individual and group presentation and oral argument. The group assessment will involve understanding multiple perspectives on the issue, advocating for one, and synthesis of multiple ideas.
Improving own Learning and Performance Seminar preparation and exam will develop different aspects of academic research, from understanding and referencing sources through the dissemination of ideas to others orally, and in developing written communication skills. Students will be particularly encouraged to focus on critical evaluation of argument and evidence and developing their critical thinking skills.
Information Technology Library and online research skills are fundamental to preparation for seminars and assessed work.
Personal Development and Career planning Recommended topic for any considering working in the legal/criminal justice/criminology field.
Problem solving Seminar discussion/preparation and debate. Analysis and evaluation of policies.
Research skills Research and preparation for seminars and exam.
Subject Specific Skills Reading, understanding and evaluating legal and social science materials particular to the fields of law/criminal justice/criminology.
Team work Group activities and discussion in seminars, working with a team as a part of the group assessment exercise.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6