module specification

SC6053 - Victims and Crime (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title Victims and Crime
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 150
 
105 hours Guided independent study
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   3000-word essay focussing on a specific issue in relation to victimisation
Running in 2023/24

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

Module summary

The aim of this module is to encourage you to develop a meaningful understanding of the experiences of victims of crime within the criminal justice system and beyond. The module is delivered via workshops which begin by exploring the notion of victimhood and critiquing the ways of understanding the impact and extent of victimisation for a diverse range of crime victims.  You will consider the ways in which we identify and respond to victims of crime. You will study the development of victimology as an academic discipline and the key theoretical concepts within the field. More broadly, you will explore the social, political and cultural contexts which influence our understanding of and responses to victims of crime. Via workshops, readings and discussions you will also
critically explore and analyse the development of victim-centred policy and practice
within the criminal justice system and beyond. This knowledge and understanding will be useful for those seeking to work with and/or advocating for victims of crime.

Via the workshops, reading and discussions:
a. You will develop an understanding of the key theoretical concepts within victimology. 
b. You will identify some of the social and political factors that placed victims at the forefront of academic and professional discourses.
c. You will explore the nature and extent of victimisation and critically appraise criminal justice responses to victims of crime.
d. You will develop your ability to research, analyse, and communicate thoughts relating to victimisation, victim policy and practice.

Prior learning requirements

Available for Study Abroad? YES

Syllabus

The syllabus will cover:

  • What/who is a victim?: this session explores our understanding of victims and the nature and extent of victimisation (LO 2).
  • Victimological perspectives: covers the development of the field of victimology and key theoretical concepts (LO 1,2,4).
  • Measuring victimisation: explores the extent of victimisation (LO 2,3,4).
  • Victims and the media: this session explores the media representation of crime victims and the influence this has on our understanding/treatment of victims (LO2,4).
  • Gender and victimisation; and Race, ethnicity and victimisation: looks at how gender/race may impact upon the experience and treatment of victims of crime (LO 2,3,4).
  • Victims and the criminal justice system: explores the ways in which the criminal justice system responds to victims of crime (LO 1,2,3,4).
  • Assignment workshop: assists students with expressing and defending, orally and in writing, evidence-based arguments on victimisation (including Harvard referencing) (LO 1,2,3,4).

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 key victimological theories/concepts.
  2. Critically apply theoretical concepts of victimisation to social issues. 
  3. Critically appraise criminal justice responses to victims of crime. 
  4. Express and defend, orally and in writing, evidence-based arguments on victimisation.

Assessment strategy

The module is assessed via one piece of coursework.  The 3000-word essay allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and critical thinking skills developed throughout the module.  You will be offered a choice of questions which are closely linked to module content and the learning outcomes outlined above.  In your response you will demonstrate your ability to express and defend, in writing, evidence-based arguments on victimisation. The assignment workshops will assist you with the preparation and completion of the assessment. Tutorial support will also be offered throughout the module by way of tutor availability during office hours, seminar/workshop discussions and via email.

Bibliography