SC4003 - Researching Crime and Deviance (2022/23)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2022/23 | |||||||||||||||
| Module title | Researching Crime and Deviance | |||||||||||||||
| Module level | Certificate (04) | |||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 30 | |||||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | |||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 300 | |||||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2022/23(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The module aims to:
1. Introduce and familiarise students with a wide range of criminological research
2. Introduce students to various research methods and approaches used in criminological investigation
3. Introduce students to a range of issues that need to be taken into account when undertaking criminological research.
4. Familiarise students with the processes involved in conducting criminological research and the structure and format of research reports adopted by academics
5. Build and develop core academic skills and competences, including searching for sources, referencing, and reading and writing academically.
6. Prepare students for levels 5 and 6
Syllabus
The syllabus will introduce students to the fascinating range of criminological research – both within the UK and internationally. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches to criminological work on crime and deviance will be introduced and explored and the work of key criminological practitioners examined. The module is divided into two parts; a general introduction to criminological research with an emphasis on reading and discussion, while in the second semester the students will have the opportunity to listen to and ask questions to speakers (academics and practitioners) about their own research. Indicative topics include research on prison violence, racism, domestic violence, organised crime, domestic abuse, and drugs use (LO1 & LO2)
The module has the dual function of developing students’ academic literacies and uses an embedded approach to introduce and build these key skills. (LO3, LO4 & LO5)
Teaching will be heavily student centered and will employ a ‘guided discovery’ approach to learning that puts a strong emphasis on reading and discussion. (LO6)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Teaching is delivered primarily through workshops. The sessions will facilitate learning of core research methods material and provide a framework for further reading and independent study.
Students are expected to spend approximately 6 hours per week in independent study and writing.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Understand the different research methods used in criminological research
2. Describe the strengths and weakness of particular research approaches
3. Explain the key issues that researchers need to take into consideration when undertaking criminological research
4. Explain the process of criminological research and be familiar with the structures of research reports.
5. Summarise and review criminological investigations.
6. Show they have developed their academic skills and competencies and are thoroughly prepared for progression to levels 5 and 6
Assessment strategy
The assessments comprises a workbook (1) and coursework (2)
Assessment 1 -The workbook specifically assesses students’ grasp of criminological research and the ability to specify the strengths, limitations and implications of particular approaches. The workbook will assess learning outcomes 1, 3, 4 and 6
Assessment 2 – coursework assesses the student’s understanding of the material studied over the previous two semesters. This will cover learning outcomes 2, 5 and 6