Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 3 x 2 Hour Seminars |
| Lecture | 10 x 2 Hour Lectures |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Essay 1500 words | 50% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours seen examination | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay 1500 words | 50% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours seen examination | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a developed knowledge and understanding of core criminological theory.
2. Identify the ontological and epistemological basis of a broad range of theories in criminology.
3. Understand how advances in criminological theory evolve.
4. Understand how theoretical criminology has helped to shape the contemporary criminal justice system and processes.
5. Identify the strengths and limitations of the explanatory potential of theory.
Content
Introduction to Criminology
Classical Criminology and Rational Choice
Biological Criminology and the Positivist School
Sociological Criminology
Durkheim and Structural Functionalism
Social Strain Theories
Social Ecology and Social Disorganisation
Subcultural Criminology
Social Control Theory
Labelling
Critical Criminology
Brief description
This module explores key theoretical perspectives that help to explain crime and social disorder in society. It situates criminological perspectives within their social and political context and considers their relevance and application in contemporary society and how they have informed criminal justice systems and processes.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Understanding and evaluating relevant quantitative research data will be an important part of the module. |
| Communication | Oral: Students will develop oral communication skills by participating in seminar discussions. They will learn to be clear and direct with their discussion (Not assessed).  Written: Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format and their written communication will be assessed according to effective expression of ideas, good language skills and a coherent argument. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Interactive lectures and seminars will encourage the critical and lateral thinking of students with exercises planned to deliver a range of opportunities to facilitate the learning of abstract concepts, and will allow students to reflect on their own learning. |
| Information Technology | Preparation for seminars, the assignments and the examination will all require use of the library databases and other electronic databases. |
| 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 | The assimilation of a range of complex theories will develop students' problem-solving abilities and a range of interactive exercises in lectures, seminars and the assignment will encourage lateral thinking. |
| Research skills | Research skills will be developed by accessing and critically analysing literature on various criminological theories in order to construct and present an informed discussion for the assessments. Independent and group preparation for the seminars will also develop research skills. |
| Subject Specific Skills | This module provides students with the opportunity to identify, analyse, evaluate and practice a series of skills with respect to understanding criminological theory. |
| Team work | Small group work and group seminars done within the seminars will foster team working skills. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4