Module Information

Module Identifier
CR32820
Module Title
Police, Policing and Society
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Dr Brendan Coyle
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
CR12430 Elements of Criminology / TR12430 Elfennau Troseddeg OR LA39220 Introduction to Criminology / GF39220 Cyflwyniad I Droseddeg
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 10 x 2 Hour Lectures
Seminar 3 x 2 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 1,500 word essay  50%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Unseen examination  50%
Supplementary Assessment 1,500 word essay - if element failed  50%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Unseen examination - if element failed  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate a sound critical awareness and understanding of the major theories, perspectives and concepts related to policing.
2. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of police governance and accountability locally, national and internationally.
3. Apply criminological, psychological and sociological theories to contemporary policing practice.
4. Identify and explain different ways in which policing has undergone social, political and legal transformations have impacted policies, practices and debates.
5. Explain and critically analyse how processes of 'pluralisation' and 'globalisation have impacted upon different policing stakeholders and segments of the public.
6. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of nuanced concepts of plural policing and security governance from a socio-legal perspective.

Brief description

This module provides students with a knowledge and understanding of the role and functions of the police and other forms of policing. It introduces students to the broader concepts of 'security governance' and 'plural policing' from local, national and international perspectives. In examining the relationship between the Police and policing, the module accounts for key historical transformations of policing and the impact and consequences for contemporary society. The interdisciplinary focus of the module considers and explores these themes from criminological, legal, psychological, and sociological perspectives.

Aims

The aims of the module are to:
  • introduce students to contemporary issues, themes and debates in policing and social control;
  • encourage students to critically examine issues around governance and accountability of policing;
  • use theoretical knowledge and findings from key research studies to inform debates about the changing social context of policing, the use of police powers and the future of policing.

Content

The module will address all the following themes listed below, although in any one year some topics will be more prominent than others depending on developments in research, policy and practice. Also, some aspects will be covered more through thematic issues than might be suggested by the list (e.g. policing terrorism, public order policing, drugs policing). Once again the choice will be driven by current debates and emerging issues.

The lecture programme will cover the following:

  • Police Governance in the United Kingdom
  • Police Sociology
  • Plural Policing
  • Policing in a Global Perspective
The seminar programme will involve three separate two-hour seminars. The specific topics selected will reflect contemporary issues in policing and will reflect the following themes:

Legitimacy and Consent
Gender and Policing
Comparative Policing

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Through the critical analysis of research findings students will develop an appreciation of how theory and practice merge within a police setting.
Communication Written communication will be developed and assessed within the coursework. Oral communication will be encouraged during interactive seminar discussion and group work conducted within the seminar series. (This will NOT be assessed)
Improving own Learning and Performance Interactive lectures and seminars will encourage the critical and lateral thinking of students. Tasks and exercises set in seminars will facilitate the learning of abstract concepts and application of these to real life settings
Information Technology Searches of on-line electronic databases and journals will provide practice in IT skills. The core module content and lecture handouts will be made available on Blackboard.
Personal Development and Career planning Independent study in preparation for lectures and seminars will develop autonomy in student's learning. Group work will equip students with the communication skills to engage with others in the workplace.
Problem solving Students will have to consider a wide range of issues raised in relation to the police, policing, social control and governance. This will enhance and develop problem solving skills and critical analysis.
Research skills Research skills will be developed by accessing and analysing literature on policing related themes in order to prepare and complete the assessed work.
Subject Specific Skills Students will be actively encouraged to think critically about the application of police policies in police practice.
Team work Small group work within seminars will foster team working and develop knowledge exchange between students and tutors.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6