Module Information

Module Identifier
LC31020
Module Title
Police, Policing and Society
Academic Year
2022/2023
Co-ordinator
Dr Sam Poyser
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
CT12220, CT22220, CT32220, LC12220, LC22220 or LC32220
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
CT21020 or LC21020
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
CT31020
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written Essay  2500 words  50%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   unseen exam  50%
Supplementary Assessment Written Essay  2500 words  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   unseen exam  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 transformation; interpret how these 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 explores these themes from criminological, legal, psychological, and sociological perspectives.

Content

1. ​Police Governance in the United Kingdom

  • Models and Functions
  • Governance / Accountability
  • Legitimacy
  • Democratic Policing
    • 2. Police Sociology
  • Police Culture
  • Discretion
  • Social exclusion
    • 3. Plural Policing
  • Community policing
  • Partnerships
  • Private policing
  • Embedded Policing
    • 4. Policing in a Global Perspective
  • Comparative Policing
  • ​Transnational 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 Oral communication will be encouraged during interactive seminar discussion and group work conducted within the seminar series. Written communication will be developed and assessed within the coursework.
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. The essay assignment will develop organisational skills and encourage students to reflect on the learning and teaching of the module content in a progressive manner.
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 and will equip students with the communication skills to engage with others in the work place. The preparation and necessary engagement with the course for the essay assignment will encourage students to attend all lectures and seminars and actively participate in the tasks.
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 develop reflective skills and will also 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