SC5053 - Crime in Context (2023/24)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24 | ||||||||
| Module title | Crime in Context | ||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
In this module you will explore concerns about crime and criminals within their historical and social context, and consider how these change over time. In doing so you will explore how social reactions to crime can be understood using a constructionist approach, involving the construction of ‘others’.
The central themes revolve around why some behaviours and some groups of people are ‘constructed’ as the focus of concern and special treatment. Equally, it considers why some crimes, such as corporate crime, or state crime, usually receive less attention. This exploration encourages reflection on how and why certain behaviours are defined and constructed as ‘crime’, and ‘social problems’.
Prior learning requirements
Available to study abroad? YES
Syllabus
You will start with an introduction to relevant concepts associated with social constructionist approaches, before moving onto exploring how understanding of crime and criminals have developed (LO1, LO2).
You will explore how some categories of crime and criminals have emerged as a source of anxiety, and look at other areas which have generated less concern (LO3).
You will finish the module with a written piece of work where you are expected to demonstrate an ability to critically describe representations of crime and criminals, and your ability to use academic writing and referencing conventions (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 theories which understand crime as ‘socially constructed’.
2) Identify some of the ways in which crime and criminals are represented.
3) Show an awareness how crime concerns change over space and time.
4) Complete a written piece of coursework using academic conventions including critical understanding, Harvard referencing, theoretical tools, and evidence.
Assessment strategy
You will be required to complete formative assessments within seminars, in the form of presentations and a short piece of writing, followed by a summative piece of written coursework of 2500 words.
Bibliography
Key Reading:
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/21D77968-4489-F66B-785C-E9F1A64A353B.html?lang=en&login=1