module specification

SC6061 - Criminology of Pleasure (2025/26)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2025/26
Module title Criminology of Pleasure
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% 40 3000-word blog article
Running in 2025/26

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)		 No instances running in the year

Module summary

The aim of this module is to explore a range of pleasures that have throughout history been subject to varying levels of regulation and social control via criminal justice policy/practice. You will critically consider changing perceptions in relation to a range of pleasures and desires (e.g. drugs, pornography, graffiti, gambling etc). The module is delivered via workshops which begin by exploring illicit pleasures and the legal and social responses to such acts. Key theoretical concepts and schools of thought within the field, such as cultural criminology, will be explored.

Via the workshops, reading and discussions:
a. You will explore a range of illicit pleasures and assess historical/contemporary legal and social responses to such acts.
b. You will consider the changing perceptions/moralities regarding pleasures that might also be regarded as harmful/criminal.
c. You will develop your understanding of key theoretical concepts and schools of thought within the field.
d. You will develop your ability to research, analyse, and communicate thoughts relating to crime/pleasure and its control.

Prior learning requirements

Available for Study Abroad? YES

Syllabus

The syllabus covers:

What is crime/pleasure?: explores understandings of illicit pleasures and the ways in which they might be deemed to be criminal acts (LO 1,2).

Criminological perspectives: covers key criminological theories/concepts, e.g. cultural criminology (LO 1,2,3).

Criminalisation of pleasure?: Considers ways in which the criminal justice system might engage in the control of pleasure.

Topical sessions: weekly topical sessions will focus on contemporary pleasures (e.g. drugs, sex, music and associated activities) as well as the legal/social/moral responses to such acts.

Assignment workshop: assists students with expressing and defending, orally and in writing, evidence-based arguments on pleasure/crime and criminal justice (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. Critically assess changing perceptions (legal/social/moral) regarding pleasures that might also be regarded as harmful/criminal acts.
  2. Critically consider the ways in which pleasure might be controlled via criminal justice policy/practice.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of relevant criminological theories/concepts.
  4. Express and defend, orally and in writing, arguments in relation to the regulation of pleasure.

Assessment strategy

The module is assessed via one piece of coursework.  The 3000-word blog article allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and critical thinking skills developed throughout the module.  You will be offered a choice of relevant topics which are closely linked to module content and the learning outcomes outlined above.  In the article you will demonstrate your ability to express and defend, in writing, evidence-based arguments in relation to your chosen topic. 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.

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