module specification

This module explores the social, economic and political issues associated with the emergence and illicit activities of organised crime. It will delve into the different definitions and types of organised crime, such as mafia, cartels, syndicates and gangs.

The module will also provide a brief overview of the historical context and the main theories and research in the field. At the same time, it will explore the practical implications of policing organised crime, especially when it comes to its increasingly transnational nature.

This module also looks at the criminal activities of organised crime, including human/drugs/arms trafficking, cybercrime, and the push and pull factors that influence the mobility of organised crime groups across territories.

The module aims:

1. To analyse prominent research and theoretical underpinnings in the field of organised crime

2. To critically explore the main facets of organised crime groups and illicit activities

3. To outline the key challenges encountered by those who investigate organised crime, i.e. academics and practitioners

Available for Study Abroad? YES

This module will focus on the following key subjects:

● Defining organised crime
● Illicit activities: human trafficking, drug trafficking and drug policies, money laundering and fraud, cyber crime
● Links between organised crime and terrorism
● Links between organised crime and the state
● Push and pull factors that influence the mobility of organised crime across territories
● Criminal groups/subcultures (i.e. Italian mafias, Russian mafias, Mexican cartels and others)
● Membership and recruitment
● Structural issues: impact of globalisation, neoliberalism and consumerism on organised crime
● Key challenges in policing and researching organised crime

A variety of teaching and learning methods are employed to facilitate the development of subject-specific knowledge.  These include lectures, seminars, workshops and self-directed learning.  To facilitate the learning process you are provided with a dedicated Blackboard platform upon which study resources are located including relevant publications and hyperlinks to relevant web-based resources.

You are provided with opportunities to develop reflexive learning through engaging in a range of exploratory and research-based activities; you are also given the opportunity to evaluate your own practice in relation to your personal development in seminar contexts.

You are expected to spend approximately 7 hours per week in independent research and writing. All sessions will be recorded with Panopto and will be always available to you.

At the end of this module you will be able to:

1. Develop a sound understanding of the key theoretical debates in the field of organised crime
2. Develop the ability to analyse the implications of different definitions of organised crime.
3. Develop your skill to compare and contrast the main arguments for why and when organised crime emerges
4. Develop your competence in analysing the behaviour and evolution of organised crime according to different theories
5. Develop an ability to critically assess the harms of organised crime, as well as the challenges associated with combating it.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
1. Book Review (1000 words) OR Podcast (10 minutes)
2. Case Study (2000 words) OR Essay (2000 words)

Key Reading:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/9B7D3330-EDE9-4C04-1D6B-E2926B49DF01.html?lang=en&login=1