Crime is a major social and political issue and the source of much academic and popular debate. Key criminological issues will be examined during the course of the module within their wider sociological and social policy context. There will be a particular focus on understanding the nature and extent of crime and victimisation, analysing public and media perceptions of crime, and exploring the relationship between key social divisions (age, gender and ethnicity) and patterns of offending and victimisation.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
BA Criminology, BA Criminology and Sociology, BA Law and Criminology, BA Criminology and Social Policy (and Social Change), BA Criminology and Cultural Studies, BA Sociology.
Compulsory module for Criminology programmes.
The module is also available as a first year 'wild' option to various schools across the university.
Main assessment methods
Assignment (essay 1500 words) – 50%
Examination (2-hours) – 50%
** The essay must be passed in order to pass the module.
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
H Carrabine, E, Iganski, P, Lee, M, & Plummer, K (2004) Criminology; A Sociological Introduction: London: Routledge
Hale, C, Hayward, K, Wahidin, A, & Wincup, E (Eds) (2009) Criminology: Oxford University Press
Newburn, T (2007) Criminology: Willan Publishing
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the core debates and arguments in criminology.
8.2 Recognise the debates provoked by the pivotal criminological question 'what is crime?', and understand related issues surrounding the generation and construction of crime data
8.3 Critically assess the ways in which images and notions of crime are constructed and represented
8.4 Demonstrate a basic understanding of the criminal justice system and an awareness of the principle debates in penology
8.5 Understand the basic role of psychology within criminology
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Conduct basic research by using library e-journals and other on-line resources.
9.2 Demonstrate basic skills in regard to the organisation of information in a clear and coherent manner.
9.3 Demonstrate a rudimentary understanding of theory and research to the solution of problems.
9.4 Analyse and utilise basic statistical data drawn from research and official sources at a rudimentary level
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