module specification

Academic authors have shown that for centuries adults have expressed concerns about the anti-social and criminal behaviour of young people. In recent times, this concern has centred on rising levels of violent crime by young people and the burgeoning ‘gang, gun and knife crime culture’ in the UK. You will critically examine young people’s involvement in crime and violence.

This module examines key theories for understanding violence by the young and explores the connection between violent behaviour and a variety of social issues such as peer pressure, gender, ‘race’ and ethnicity, and alcohol and substance misuse. This highlights the impact of changing economic, political and cultural contexts from the global to local.

Module aims:

1. Familiarise you with the theoretical perspectives that have shaped criminological thought on violence by young people.
2. Encourage you to develop a critical overview of young people’s engagement in violent crime.
3. Develop your ability to research, analyse and communicate critical and informed arguments relating to the theory, policy and practice underpinning youth involvement in violent crime.

Available for Study Abroad? YES

This module examines historical and current debates on youth crime and violence. As well as examining theory, public policy and criminal justice responses to violent offending by young people the module will debate some of the following topics/issues:

• Youth violence in shifting historical and structural contexts

• Subcultures, gangs and collective violence

• Drugs, alcohol and youth violence

• Female violence

• Youth violence in the media

• Youth violence, youth justice and punishment

(LO1-4)

A variety of teaching and learning methods are employed to facilitate the development of subject-specific and transferable skills. These include lectures, seminars, workshops, visual material and self-directed learning. To facilitate the learning process, you are provided with a dedicated weblearn platform upon which study resources are located.

Seminar material is also provided, encouraging you to take up small group and individual tasks in a collaborative environment. Therefore, giving the opportunity for you to lead discussions in light of your lived experience and evidence provided through academic and peer reviewed materials.

The module requires approximately 7 hours per week in self-directed research and study, including interaction with other students by e-mail, and writing activity.

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key criminological theories on youth engagement in violent crime. 

2. Apply theoretical concepts of violent crime to social issues. 

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the different constructions and manifestations of youth crime and violence in the historical context.

4. Demonstrate critical analysis of criminological approaches to youth crime and violence.

Assessment for this module consists of one essay, 2500 words where you will be able to choose from a list of essay titles/questions based on the lectures and topics discussed in class. You can develop their own essay title or question, but this will need to be approved by the module leader. This component will allow assessment of learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

You will have the opportunity to outline, explain, evaluate or appraise theoretical concepts relating to crime and violence (learning outcomes 1 and 3) using contemporary research and/or policy documentation, where appropriate, media resources (3, 4).

You are expected to identify key thinkers and ideas regarding youth crime, critically thinking about the social problems experienced by young people as well as showing your ability to carry independent reading beyond the provided reading list and depending on your topic of choice.

Key reading:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/2387FDED-E113-A461-8FD2-C8513BA98D94.html?lang=en&login=1