The module provides students with an understanding of the contested cultural meanings underpinning crime. Too often criminology is satisfied taking definitions of criminality at face value, when really it means very different things to different people and in different contexts. The module examines how media representations propagate particular perceptions of crime, criminality and justice. It goes on to consider the manner in which those who 'offend' experience and interpret their own behaviour, which may be focused on the attainment of excitement or indeed on attaining their own conception of justice. The module explores these contradictions in a world where crime, control and the media saturate everyday life. In doing so it considers a diverse range of concepts; youth culture, hedonism, hate crime, risk taking, moral panics, the image, emotionality and consumerism. We examine the nature of a late-modern society where criminality inspires great fear and resentment, whilst at the same time it provides imagery which is harnessed to produce entertainment and sell a range of consumer goods. Students will become familiar with cutting edge research and theory in the fields of Cultural Criminology, Visual Criminology, and Media and Crime, placing issues such as music, photography, street gangs, extreme sports, newspapers and nights on the town in new and exciting contexts.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
BA Criminology and associated courses - optional module
BA Cultural Studies and Media and associated courses - optional module
BA Sociology and associated courses - - optional module
Main assessment methods
Coursework - multiple choice questions (MCQ) in-course test - 20%
Coursework - Seminar participation - 15%
Coursework -essay (3000 words) - 65%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
Ferrell J, Hayward K, Young J (2008) Cultural Criminology, London. Sage
Jewkes Y (2010) Media and Crime, second edition. London. Sage
Presdee M (2000) Cultural Criminology and Carnival of Crime, London. Routledge
Greer C (ed) (2009) Crime and the Media: A Reader. London. Routledge
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:
1 Systematically and critically evaluate the relationships between crime, justice, media representations and cultural dynamics.
2 Display a systematic and critical understanding of the links between crime, justice, the media and cultural contexts.
3 Offer critical evaluation and analysis of the degree to which cultural contexts and media representations shape crime control policy.
4 Make links between and possess systematic understanding of important debates and theoretical developments in media and crime and cultural criminology.
5 Discuss, critically evaluate and devise and sustain arguments relating to issues of crime, media and cultural within a late-modern global context.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate skills in communication in a variety of forms to both specialist and non-specialist audiences and in the utilisation of research and empirical data.
2 Synthesise and demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the theoretical contributions of different schools and disciplines of enquiry.
3 Gather appropriate library and web-based resources for undergraduate study; make critical judgments about their merits and use the available evidence to construct, communicate and sustain an argument.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
