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Study information

International Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime

Module titleInternational Criminal Justice: Application of Theory to Transnational and International Crime
Module codeSOC2036
Academic year2024/5
Credits15
Module staff

Professor Katharine Boyd (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

30

Module description

This module is an introduction to the nature and scope of international and transnational crime and how different criminological theories explain these crimes. In this era of globalization these crimes are becoming more common and have larger and more harmful effects on people and societies. You will be introduced to different philosophical approaches theorists have made in explaining crime and how each theory poses unique policy implications for how to address these crimes in societies.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide you with introductory knowledge of international criminal justice concerns with transnational and international crime in the globalizing world. It aims to teach you how to apply criminological theories and develop your critical thinking skills to engage in theory-based policy discussions. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of transnational and international crime;
  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge of criminological theory;
  • 3. Demonstrate ability to apply critically criminological theory to transnational and international crimes;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

  • 4. Demonstrate understanding of theoretical frameworks and their application to this subject area;
  • 5. Demonstrate understanding of evaluating theories and their implications for relevant policy;
  • 6. Clearly present research, policy debates and your own arguments;

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

  • 7. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized, and effective manner;
  • 8. Demonstrate independent study skills;
  • 9. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.

Syllabus plan

- Introduction to international criminal justice and criminological theoryTheoretical frameworks in criminology. Strain theories, control theories, biological / psychological theories, deterrence and rational choice / routine activities theories, social disorganization theory, social learning theory, labeling and critical theories

- Transnational crime (e.g. cybercrime, money laundering, environmental crime, etc.)Transnational policing

- International crime (war crimes, crimes against humanity, crime of aggression, and genocide)

- Explanations of international and transnational crime

- Delivering international justice  

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
22128

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity2211 x 2-hour lecture/seminar (or 1-hour lecture + 1-hour seminar)
Guided Independent Study24Reading assignments and preparing for the tutorials
Guided Independent Study30Preparing blog post
Guided Independent Study20Additional reading/research
Guided Independent Study54Preparation for and completion of exam

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Podcast5 minutes1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
30700

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Blog post351000 words1-9Written
Portfolio652000 words1-6, 8Written
0
0
0
0

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Blog postBlog post 1000 words1-9August/September reassessment period
PortfolioPortfolio 2000 words1-6, 8August/September reassessment period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Braithwaite, J. (1989).  Criminological Theory and Organizational Crime. Justice Quarterly 6(3): 333-358.

Dammer, H.R., and Albanese, J.S. (2010). Comparative Criminal Justice Systems.

Akers, R.L. (2003). Criminological Theories: Introduction and Evaluation.

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

Kramer, R.C. and Michalowski, R.J. (2005). War, Aggression and State Crime: A criminological analysis of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. British Journal of Criminology 45: 446-469.

Liska, A. E. (1990). The Significance of Aggregate Dependent Variables and Contextual Independent Variables for Linking Macro and Micro Theories. Sociology Psychology Quarterly 53: 292-301.

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

Natarajan, M. (ed.). (2011). International Crime and Justice. 

Key words search

International Criminal Justice, international, transnational

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

5

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

20/12/2014

Last revision date

13/01/2022