module specification

SC4058 - The Development of Criminological Thought (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title The Development of Criminological Thought
Module level Certificate (04)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 150
 
105 hours Guided independent study
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   Essay, 2000 words
Running in 2023/24

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Thursday Morning
Summer studies North Friday Afternoon

Module summary

Building on the ideas covered in traditional theories and concepts, you will examine how the discipline of criminology developed. You will explore how criminologists have continued to critique and apply traditional theories in their own explanations of crime. You will explore modern debates about how crime can be understood, and what should be done to address it. You will also explore perspectives which have critiqued the subject of criminology.

Prior learning requirements

Available to Study Abroad? NO

Syllabus

You will examine the development of criminological theories and ideas, with attention to areas such as modern biological approaches to crime, and contemporary classicism (LO 1 and LO2). You will explore critical perspectives such as Marxism and Feminism (LO3). You will identify the strands of criminological debates in relevant journals and literature (LO4).

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Teaching typically consist of a 1 hour lecture, followed by a 2 hour workshops/seminars. You will be expected to engage in approximately six hours of independent study per week.

Learning outcomes

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

1) Demonstrate an understanding of modern criminological theory and relevant debates.
2) Identify connections between different theories of crime.
3) Demonstrate an understanding of critical perspectives on criminology.
4) Demonstrate transferable skills in academic reading, revision, and reasoning, required for modules at levels 5 and 6.

Assessment strategy

You will be required to complete formative assessments within seminars, in the form of presentations and short pieces of writing, followed by a summative piece of written coursework, of 2000 words.

Bibliography