SC5064 - Criminological Research in Context (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||
| Module title | Criminological Research 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 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
The aim of this module is to encourage the development of knowledge, skills and understanding for criminological research and the types of methods which are adopted within the field. Via small group workshops you will focus on the development and/or strengthening of your knowledge in relation to key social science research methods/ theory which might be applicable to UG/PG study in the field of criminology and associated subject areas. You will be encouraged to consider how research methods, theory, and the specific studies explored within the module, might be relevant to your own ideas/plans for your final year criminology research project. The knowledge, skills and understanding gained via this module will be useful for those who are interested in conducting criminological research.
Via the workshops, reading and discussions:
a. You will develop an understanding of a range of key social science research methods/theory.
b. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of criminological research/studies and consider the significance of research findings in terms of the contribution to knowledge and/or the impact that research findings can have upon policy/practice within the criminal justice sector.
c. You will develop the skills to critically review criminological research/articles. As you do this you will also be encouraged to reflect upon your own ideas for your final year research project and the method/s you might adopt to study a criminological topic of your own choosing in the final year.
Prior learning requirements
Available for Study Abroad? YES
Syllabus
The syllabus will cover:
What is criminological research?: introduces a range of criminological research topics and explores the methods adopted within the field (LO 1).
Exploring the field: considers the theory and practice of criminological research as well as looking at real-world examples (LO 1,2).
Topical weekly workshops (e.g. Interviews, Focus groups, Surveys, Ethnography etc): each week there will be a focus on a particular study and/or method to further develop knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to a range of criminological research studies/methods in context (LO 1,2,3).
Assignment workshop: assists students with critically reviewing, orally and in writing, a criminological research article (including Harvard referencing) (LO 1,2,3).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module is based on weekly workshops which involve a more interactive approach than the traditional lecture format. Each 3-hour session will explore key topics via presentations (including use of a range of media), group debates and seminar activities. 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 your knowledge and critical thinking skills; to support your engagement in the sessions and the completion of assignments. The sessions, particularly the assignment workshop, offer the opportunity for reflective learning, whereby you are encouraged to consider the knowledge gained via workshops/reading and the development of critical thinking. A range of learning/teaching styles are adopted across the module and you are encouraged to consider content and delivery styles for inclusion in the module. Further resources, including links to videos, podcasts, websites, cases/places of interest are provided via Weblearn and you are encouraged to engage in online discussion forums with your peers.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of social science research methods/theory.
2. Critically consider the significance of research findings and the contribution to knowledge and/or impact upon criminal justice policy/practice.
3. Express and defend, orally and in writing, a critical review of a criminological research article.
Assessment strategy
The module is assessed via one piece of coursework. The 2500-word critical review allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and critical thinking skills developed throughout the module. You will be invited to conduct a critical review of a criminological research article which has been covered within the module workshops (you will select the article from those available). You will demonstrate your ability to express and defend, in writing, your critical review of a criminological research article. You must achieve an overall minimum mark of 40% to pass the module. The assignment workshop will assist you with the preparation and completion of assessments. Tutorial support will also be offered throughout the module by way of tutor availability during office hours, seminar/workshop discussions and via email.
Bibliography
Key Reading:
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/0E2BA2EC-393F-0D94-ED64-2C8C77FAE2BE.html?lang=en&login=1