module specification

SC5050 - Crime, Media and Technology (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title Crime, Media and Technology
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 150
 
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
105 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Oral Examination 50%   Oral Discussion, 5 to 10 minutes
Coursework 50%   Literature Review, 2000 words
Running in 2023/24

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Friday Afternoon

Module summary

This module looks at the media impact on public perceptions of crime and justice. It also looks at the way contemporary media and technologies influence criminal behaviour and influence the operations of the criminal justice system.

The module aims to:

1. Consider the various relationships between media, technology and crime.
2. Develop an understanding of the role of the media in shaping perceptions of crime and criminal justice, with a particular emphasis on marginalised groups.
3. Develop a critical awareness of how different groups are represented in the media with regard to crime, criminality and deviance.
4. Provide an overview of the way technologies interact with crime and the criminal justice system.
6. Develop summarising and analytical skills.

Prior learning requirements

Available to Study Abroad? YES

Module aims

 

 

Syllabus

The module will consider the various relationships between media, technology and crime and will investigate the role of the media in shaping perceptions of crime and criminal justice.

It will look at how technology both affects and is affected by crime and the criminal justice system and will link forms of deviant behaviour to various forms of technology.

Areas of focus will be adapted annually but may include the manufacturing of crime news, the representation of crime and deviance in the media, cybercrime and media and violence (LO 1-5)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The module will use a range of learning, teaching and delivery methods, including workshops, blended learning and online 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 and expected to undertake 6-7 hours independent reading/study per week to develop your knowledge and critical thinking skills. This will often include recommended readings and/or tasks 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, podcasts, websites, will be provided via Weblearn and/or email and you are encouraged to engage in online discussion forums with their peers.

Learning outcomes

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

1. Have an understanding of the various relationships between media, technology and crime.

2. Critically evaluate the ways in which the media influences perceptions and opinions of crime and criminal justice.

3.Demonstrate a critical awareness of how different ‘groups’ are represented in the media with regards to crime, criminality and deviance.

4. Demonstrate how technologies interact with crime and the Criminal Justice System.

5. Summarise, critically analyse and reflect on media research and/or articles.

 

Assessment strategy

The first is a discussion of an academic article or piece of media research. (LO 1, 5)

The second is a literature review which builds upon the first assessment and requires students summarise, synthesise and analyse a range of chosen readings (LO 2, 3, and 4)

Bibliography