This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module provides students with an understanding of the contested cultural meanings underpinning crime. It examines how media representations propagate particular perceptions of crime, criminality and justice and contrasts these to the lived experience of offending. The module explores these contradictions in a world where crime, control, consumerism and the media saturate everyday life. It examines the late-modern society where criminality inspires great fear and resentment, whilst at the same time generating the cultural raw material to inform 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
Private Study: 128 hours
Contact Hours: 22 hours
Total: 150 hours
Available for students on:-
Social Sciences BSc and variants thereof (Medway)
Criminal Justice and Criminology BA (Medway)
Also available as an elective module at Medway.
Main assessment methods
Coursework – Multiple Choice Question 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.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes are listed below.
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 are listed below.
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.
