module specification

This module will serve as an introduction to university life and has the dual purpose of developing the literacies, discourses and competences needed to become a successful criminologist, while introducing students to the idea of conducting academic criminological research. It will do this by helping you develop your academic skills - such as speed reading, note taking, referencing, paraphrasing and searching for sources. This will be accomplished utilising readings and materials centred on academic research methods.

The module aims to:

1. Introduce you to the discipline and discourses of criminology and what it means to be a criminologist.

2. Build and develop the core academic literacies central to becoming a successful academic and criminologist.

3. Introduce the idea of conducting research into crime and deviance.

4. Introduce different ways in which criminological research can be conducted.

5. Help you settle and adapt to university life, preparing you for your academic studies.

Available to study abroad? NO

This module has the dual purpose of developing the literacies, discourses and competences needed to become a successful criminologist, while introducing you to the idea of conducting academic criminological research.

This will be achieved by using an embedded approach to skills development within a small group setting. Teaching will take place in small group workshops and employ a guided discovery approach to learning that puts a strong emphasis on reading, discussion and collaboration.

Topics covered will include the scope of criminological research, the stages involved in conducting research and different research methods. The skills and literacies to be developed will depend on your needs, but are likely to include speed reading, referencing, paraphrasing, identifying and searching for sources, using Turnitin and polite letter writing. (LO 1-5).

The module will be delivered through small group workshops and blended learning tasks and sessions. There will be a heavy emphasis on interactive, small group student-centred activities and active participation will be required.

You are expected to attend and engage in all sessions. In addition, you are expected to undertake 6-7 hours independent reading/study per week to develop their knowledge and critical thinking skills. This will often include compulsory tasks and/or readings ahead of each session.

The sessions, particularly the assignment workshops, offer the opportunity for reflective learning and time will be allocated for individual and/or group feedback as part of the assessment preparation.

Resources, including reading lists, links to videos, websites, media articles will be provided via Weblearn and/or email and you are encouraged to engage in online discussion forums with your peers.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Understand what it means to be a criminologist.

2. Show that you have started to develop the academic literacies and competencies required to become a successful criminologist and academic.

3. Demonstrate an awareness of what criminological research is.

4. Demonstrate an awareness of different types of criminological research.

5. Show they are ready for progression to the second semester and beyond.

The module will be assessed by a portfolio, consisting of a number of tasks that will focus on the development of key academic skills and allowing you to demonstrate knowledge related to criminological research and what it means to become a criminologist.

Key reading:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/B031CBB5-77D8-4597-C083-C2D79BC0E4A3.html?lang=en&login=1