module specification

The module aims to give students a thorough theoretical and operational understanding of transnational organised crime and attempts to combat it. There will be a focus on trafficking, including drugs, people and arms, as well as a look at how organised crime groups are using the internet for criminal purposes. White collar crime is also given a specific focus. Students will also be supported to explore the character of organised crime in the UK and both domestic and international attempts to combat it.

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Following an introductory session, the module will address the following topics:

• Identifying Transnational organised crime (LO 1)
• Theoretical frameworks for understanding organised crime (LO 1)
• Understanding the social and economic dynamics of organised crime (LO 3)
• Drug smuggling (LO 2, 3)
• Weapons trading and smuggling (LO 2, 3)
• People trafficking (LO 2, 3)
• Cybercrime (LO 2, 3)
• Money laundering and fraud (LO 2, 3)
• International responses to transnational organised crime (LO 4)
• UK responses to organised crime (LO 4)

Teaching sessions consist of a series of recorded lectures and online opportunities which will encourage students to explore the political, strategic and tactical complexities of terrorism and counter terrorism. Students draw upon case studies and examine actual operational scenarios. Module materials will be made available on Weblearn and opportunities for personal development planning are provided. 

This module will also be delivered through the use of distance learning strategies as follows:

• E-learning: delivered using computers utilising internet technology and programming which allows the student to interact with the learning materials via chat rooms, online office hours and notice boards. The present Weblearn facilities are sufficient to cover these methods.
• Online Lectures:  lectures are to be recorded digitally and placed onto Weblearn and released to the students as required.
• Written materials: Students will be provided with written materials such as articles in electronic format (e.g. pdf files). Weblearn to be used as a repository for such material.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Apply various criminological theorising of the conceptualisation of organised and transnational crime including the mapping of facilitating relationships and pathways
2. Outline and understand various transnational organised crime phenomena including; drug and weapon smuggling, people trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering and fraud
3. Examine the localised and international social and economic factors influencing transnational organised crime
4. Critically evaluate international and UK interventions to tackle transnational organised crime

Students will produce a response to the question as set by the module leader that critically evaluates our understanding of organised crime, current trends in transnational organised localised and international counter organised crime initiatives. Students will be able to focus on one element of the module, but will be expected to show that they understand the context of the wider module context.

Students will have the option of producing a 4,500 word essay

Or

A 10 minute multimedia artefact (video, podcast etc) and transcript and references.

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