Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology

Module title	Social Issues: Part II - Themes in Criminology
Module code	SOC1040
Academic year	2024/5
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Cecilia Meneghini (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	45

Module description

This module offers an intermediate level analysis of crime and deviance by considering several core themes in criminology. It extends the analysis from SOC1039 “Social Issues: Part I”, which is a prerequisite. Taking this module will extend your understanding of the study of crime, to allow you to explore terrains that are often contested, and to develop a critical appreciation of the methodological issues associated with knowing rates of crime. You will be invited to develop your critical thinking in understanding the construction of datathrough practicalexaminations of important controversies in the study of crime.By considering the contested nature of crime and criminalisation (e.g. in the context of the discussions around race), the module offers an opportunity to think about power in the development and implementation of criminological policy. The module will include elements of taught instruction and small group discussions. The main teaching method consists of lectures and tutorials. You will work independently on the summative and formative assessment exercises. It is suitable for non-specialist students and those on interdisciplinary pathways.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to introduce you tocore themes in the study of crime and deviance and enable you to think critically and analytically about crime, deviance and harm. Using case studies (e.g policing, terrorism and war), the module will foster your ability to assess and evaluate criminological theories and practices. The module will offer an opportunity to apply qualitative and quantitative methodologies for understanding trends in crime and criminal behaviour. You will also be encouraged to analyse changes in the ways that state and non-state agencies have responded and reacted to crime and evaluate their overall effectiveness.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and of strengths and weaknesses of theories of crime and deviance
2. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the qualitative and quantitative methodological foundations of criminology;
3. Identify and locate relevant materials and information in support of research;
4. Synthesise and critically assess the relationship between disciplinary approaches to crime;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

5. Extend your ability to apply the insights and findings in the literature to the analysis of crime;
6. Conduct independent research;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

7. Communicate complex ideas in writing; and
8. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

- Deviance and crime
- Case study: drugs
- Victimology and crime
- Justice and crime
- Terrorism and crime
- Technology and new forms of crime
- Crime and war - State crimes

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	11	11 x 1 hour weekly lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	11	11 x 1 hour seminars
Guided Independent study	33	Course readings
Guided Independent study	67	Preparation for essays, library, research
Guided Independent study	28	Examination revision

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Essay plan	250 words	1-9	Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
50	50	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Essay	50	1,500 words	1-7	Written
Examination	50	1 hour	1-9	Written
	0
	0
	0
	0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Essay	Essay (1,500 words)	1-7	August\September reassessment period
Examination	Examination (1 hour)	1-9	August\September reassessment period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Beirne, P. (ed) (1994) The Origins and Growth of Criminology.

Blackburn, R., The psychology of criminal conduct [1995] Wiley

Elmsley, C., Crime and Society in England, 1750-1900 (2010) Longman

Jewkes, Y. and G. Letherby (eds.) 2002. Criminology.

Maguire, M., Morgan, R. and Reiner, R. (eds.) (1997) The Oxford Handbook in Criminology.

Morrison, W., Theoretical Criminology, from modernity to postmodernism [1995] Routledge-Cavendish

Musson, A., Crime, Law and Society in the Later Middle Ages (2010), Manchester University Press.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Criminology, deviance, sociology, statistics, crime

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	SOC1039 Social Issues: Part I Introducing Crime and Deviance
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	4
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	14/11/2013
Last revision date	28/02/2022