SC5065 - Dark Destinations - Crime and Tourism (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||
| Module title | Dark Destinations - Crime and Tourism | ||||||||
| 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
This module looks at ‘dark tourism’- a term most commonly used to describe tourist activities in places that are associated with death and suffering, or activities carried out by tourists that are deviant, illegal or have associated harms. Along with highlighting the historical events that inspire dark tourism, the module will take a look at the underlying harms and crimes that are often still perpetrated, affecting both consumers and people who work in tourism or live close to tourist hotspots.
The module aims to:
1. Identify and explore crime and deviance related tourism.
2. Introduce you to global historical crimes and harms which have inspired contemporary tourist activities.
3. Allow you to investigate the underlying harms and crimes that occur in relation to tourism hotpots.
4. Encourage you to consider the reasons behind the publics’ fascination with dark tourism.
5. Explore how both consumers and local people are impacted by dark tourism.
Prior learning requirements
Available to study abroad? YES
Syllabus
This module looks at ‘dark tourism’ from both a historical and contemporary perspective - looking at the underlying harms and crimes that are perpetrated at tourist sites, affecting both consumers and people who work in tourism or live close to tourist hotspots. It will introduce you to historical harms and crimes that have come to inspire contemporary tourist activities – and look at the impact of these activities today. It will also look at tourist activities that are either illegal or can be seen to be deviant or harmful.
Topics and areas studied are not fixed and will depend on both student interest and developing staff research. Potential areas of study include the Killing Fields near Phnom Penh, the Biggie Smalls mural in New York, the Amsterdam red light district, Death Road in Bolivia, Favela tours in Brazil and the suicide forest in Japan (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, staff and student-led talks and discussions, 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. In addition, you are expected to undertake 6-7 hours independent reading/study per week to develop your knowledge and critical thinking skills. This will include recommended readings 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, cases/places of interest will be provided via Weblearn and/or email.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
1. Identify and explore crime and deviance related tourism.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of historical harms and crimes around the world which have inspired contemporary tourist activities.
3. Understand the underlying harms and crimes that occur in relation to tourism hotspots.
4. Critically discuss the public fascination with dark tourism.
5. Understand how both consumers and local people are impacted by dark tourism.
Assessment strategy
The module will be assessed by an item of coursework, either written or oral.
To acknowledge different learning styles, you will have the option of choosing from a minimum of two separate tasks and each year there will be a chance for student negotiation on what these tasks will be.
Options may include:
An essay
A case study
A multimedia item
Bibliography
Key Reading:
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/5DA81CED-3E76-1A83-99E0-0DE4A1C9D31B.html?lang=en&login=1