Module Information
Module Identifier
CR32120
Module Title
Criminology and Psychology Dissertation 1 (sem 2)
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Pre-Requisite
Pre-Requisite
Pre-Requisite
Pre-Requisite
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 : 8000 - 10000 words on the approved topic to be submitted in appropriate Semester. Submission of research report required in week 8 of the appropriate semester. Failure to submit a satisfactory research report will result in 5 marks being deducted from the final dissertation mark. | 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Dissertation : 8000 - 10000 words on the approved topic . If a student fails the assessment and wishes to resubmit, they must submit an essay on a topic that is substantively the same as that which was originally presented. Feedback will be provided by the original supervisor, or where this is not possible, by the module co-ordinator. Further supervision will not be provided. There is no need to submit a further research plan or report. Students may attend any lectures on the dissertation if required, and may raise any general queries with the module co-ordinator. | 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;
(c) plan, organise and timetable a sustained piece of research over a period of some months;
(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.
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.
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 only will be assessed. |
| 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