Module Information

Module Identifier

CR32020

Module Title

Criminology and Psychology Dissertation 1 (sem 1)

Academic Year

2016/2017

Co-ordinator

Miss Jennifer Phipps

Semester

Semester 1

Exclusive (Any Acad Year)

TR32020

Exclusive (Any Acad Year)

CR32120 or TR32120

Pre-Requisite

CR12510 or PS11220

Pre-Requisite

CR12320 or PS11420

Pre-Requisite

CR12430 or TR12430

Pre-Requisite

CR31420 or TR34220

Pre-Requisite

CR12130 or TR12130

Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type	Delivery length / details
Lecture	4 x 2 Hour Lectures

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Dissertation	100%
Supplementary Assessment	Dissertation	100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

(a) demonstrate an appreciation of the research potential of subjects by identifying a viable topic for research;

(b) locate relevant material, in particular through the use of bibliographical guides and subject databases and demonstrate an ability to prioritise the essential elements of these;

(d) organise ideas and order material for the effective presentation of argument, critical evaluation, data and concluding remarks;

(e) critically analyse and evaluate criminological and psychological material;

(f) present a clear, accurate, analytical and readable account of the subject in question.

Brief description

The conducting and evaluation of empirical and theoretical research are central to both criminology and psychology and this module seeks to develop research, project management, and writing skills.

This module comprises an exercise in sustained criminological and psychological research and writing in relation to a special topic rather than being based on a prescribed course of study. It is for the student to select a subject for detailed research with the approval of the Department and then to proceed to the research and writing stages of the exercise under the supervision of a member of staff with knowledge of the field in which the subject of the dissertation is located.

Content

1. Location of research questions and research design;
2. Ethical Issues;
3. Plagiarism;
4. Writing up;
5. The substantive topic is chosen by the student on advice and approval from staff.

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
Application of Number	Many of the texts will involve complex statistical analysis which will need to be understood and evaluated.
Communication	Oral communication will be encouraged through a discussion of ideas and an articulation of problems associated with the research at meetings with the supervisor. Written communication will be enhanced by preparing a clear, accurate and readable account of the subject in question. Written communication assessed only.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Through development of a substantial body of knowledge and a need to locate and organise relevant material the student will learn to develop more effective academic techniques.
Information Technology	Location of relevant material, in particular through the use of bibliographical guides and subject databases; Preparation of the assignment electronically
Personal Development and Career planning	Enhanced capacity for independent and critical thought. Good time-management skills in preparing for seminars and submitting work on time.
Problem solving	To set a viable topic for research, set a research question and then work towards answering it involves problem solving skills and will both enhance and draw upon already developed skills.
Research skills	The development of research skills is inherent in a dissertation module.
Subject Specific Skills	Nothing additional to the above.
Team work	There will be a number of meetings called at which students can, under supervision and guidance, discuss and compare problems they have faced and possible solutions.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6