module specification

The aim of this module is to provide you with a critical understanding of the historical, conceptual, and theoretical ideas fundamental to the study of crime and criminal justice in a contemporary global context. You will acquire knowledge of conceptual and theoretical frameworks such as globalisation, neoliberalism, securitization, and global inequalities through which global crime and disorder can be interpreted and analysed. In this module, you will explore how the quest for order in the name of crime control and risk management contributes to dis-order; the way political discourse and the mass media manufacture global disorder and risk; and the ways state actors are often complicit in transnational crime and global dis-order.

You will be provided with the analytical tools to critically appraise global criminological and social justice problems such as migration, the rise of the right, terrorism, global drug crime, ecocide, and modern slavery, and criminal justice policy responses. The module will help you to develop your ability to communicate coherently and clearly, orally and in writing, and present and defend cogent arguments in relation to global issues. You will carry out an investigation of a social justice movement as part of your assessment. The module will provide you with the knowledge and competencies useful for future employment in international justice organisations, intergovernmental organisations, policy making, as well as for postgraduate study. This wide-ranging module utilises research-informed teaching to help you develop an outward looking, reflective and critical approach to crucial current global issues.

Available for Study Abroad? YES

Introduction to global crime and theoretical concepts This session will introduce key concepts used on the module such as globalisation, neoliberalism, risk and securitisation (LO 1).

Media, moral panics and fake news: questions of truth in a disordered world – looks at the manipulation of social and political consciousness through the mass media manufacture of disorder and risk (LO 1, 2, 3).

Rise of the far-right - examines the economic and political context for the rise of the right across Europe and North America from the increased support for nationalist and far-right political parties to the rise in ultra-right acts of terror and violence (LO 1, 2, 3). 

Migration, borders and a question of order – explores the way that mobility and the transgression of physical and symbolic borders lead to discourses of dis-order while contesting the notion that immigration is inherently problematic or dis-ordered (LO 1, 2, 3).  

Social justice movements – a session on the theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and practices engendered by social justice movements followed by an assessment workshop on the same topic (LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

Global drug disorder – explores the securitization of drugs and the harms of the drugs war in various countries which have been most impacted (LO 1, 2). 

Global economics of disorder - examines the impact of neoliberal market economies on global inequality, and how this is exacerbated by tax avoidance and money laundering (LO 1, 2, 3).   

Modern slavery – examines who the victims of modern slavery are and the political economy which allows modern slavery to flourish (LO 1, 2, 3). 

Conservation and ecocide - explores how governments, NGOs and intergovernmental organisations are violating the human rights of indigenous people and contributing to environmental destruction in the name of conservation and wildlife protection (LO 1, 2, 3).

Assessment workshops - supports you with your assessments (LO 1, 2, 3,  4).

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminar activities, workshops and online materials. It will adopt a discover, collaborate, consolidate model, where you will be set tasks to complete prior to the lectures/seminars. Preparation may include reading academic material, official reports, news pieces or case studies, preparing for a debate, watching/listening to a relevant documentary, short film, or podcast. You will also be 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. Seminars/workshops will involve a range of individual and group-based activities encouraging debate and collaboration such as question and discussion, worksheets, debate, applying a theory to a substantive example or a case study. Seminars will also include opportunities assessment preparation and reflective learning. You will be expected to attend and engage in all sessions. After the classroom sessions, you will have access to further reading and resources to further develop knowledge and understanding.

On successful completion of the module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of conceptual and theoretical frameworks with which to consider global crime and disorder
2. Critically appraise contemporary global criminological problems, and the application of criminal justice policy at global levels.
3. Communicate coherently and clearly orally and in writing and present and defend cogent arguments in relation to global issues.
4. Demonstrate knowledge, competencies and skills for graduate employment and postgraduate study.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the role and significance of social justice movements in society.

Assessment 1 - 30%: Social Justice Movement Investigation
You will complete a 1000-word report in the form of a social justice movement investigation. The report provides you with the opportunity to apply your skills and
knowledge to a current, topical global justice issue. The aim of the report is for you to be able to demonstrate knowledge and critical evaluation skills developed on the module. You will be expected to analyse the social, political, and/or economic context of the social justice movement, critically evaluate the perceived disordered global context in which it operates, its strengths and weaknesses, and its impact. This assessment will allow you to demonstrate an understanding of the role and significance of social justice movements in society (LO 5), critically appraise contemporary global criminological problems, and the application of criminal justice policy (LO 2); and communicate coherently and clearly orally and in writing and present and defend cogent arguments in relation to global issues (LO 3).
 
Assessment 2 - 70%: Essay, 2000 words
This component will provide assessment choices for students who will have the opportunity to conduct an assessment according to their perceived strengths and in so doing aims to facilitate inclusive practice. 

OR - Alternative Assessment 2

Presentation with supporting document 10mins.
You will have the opportunity to choose from a range of questions that require the application of acquired knowledge and understand how theory and research are important for current events. This assessment will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of conceptual and theoretical frameworks with which to consider global crime and disorder (LO 1); critically appraise contemporary global criminological problems, and the application of criminal justice policy (LO 2); communicate coherently and clearly orally and/or in writing and present and defend cogent arguments in relation to global issues (LO 3).

Key Reading:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/9DDE45CC-EDA7-5CA8-DA38-E27A29007B2B.html?lang=en&login=1