University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Template revised October 2005)

Code: UPSNLE-30-1 Title: Introduction to Criminal Justice Version: 3

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating:

Module type: standard

Owning Faculty: SSH. Field: Sociology

Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

On completion of the module students are expected to demonstrate:

On completion of the module students are expected to demonstrate:

    1. Critical evaluation of criminal justice provision in England and Wales (Components A and B).

    2. Critical engagement with literature, and application of comparative criminology to thinking around the way criminal justice is provided in other countries (Components A and B).

    3. Appreciation of the way criminal justice in Britain is located in a broader European and international legal context (Component B).

    4. Ability to work independently (Component A) and as part of a group (Component B) towards the assessments.

Syllabus outline:

This module will include discussion of:

    1. Key institutions (Police, Court, Probation, Prison etc)

    2. Processes of justice (pre-trial/trial/sentencing)

    3. Victims in the Criminal Justice system

    4. Differential application of justice to particular social groups (class, gender, ethnicity)

    5. Contemporary developments in the administration of justice (restorative justice, alternatives to custody)

    6. Comparison between criminal justice agencies/administration of justice in Britain and further afield

Teaching and learning methods:

    1. Lectures to provide an introduction to each subject area and outline the key theoretical debates.

    2. Seminars providing structured discussion of contemporary issues relating to criminal justice agencies.

    3. Seminars that require a group presentation

The lecture programme will be supported by use of Audio-visual resources.

Seminar support enhanced by use of electronic media such as Blackboard discussion groups, UWE online, email.

Reading Strategy:

Students will be required to read at least one book chapter or journal article to prepare for each lecture/seminar subject area. Where appropriate, book chapters will be digitised and made available through Blackboard and recommended journal articles will be available electronically through the UWE library. As there is a strong element of student-led learning (through the assessed presentations), students will be expected to identify relevant sources for those topics they elect to study in more detail. They will therefore be encouraged to use the library catalogue, bibliographic and full text databases and internet resources.

Indicative Reading List:

The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.

    1. Ashworth, A. (1998) (2nd Edition) The Criminal Process: An Evaluative Study. London: Oxford.

    2. Bottoms, A & Gelsthorpe, L. (Eds 2002) Community Penalties: Change and Challenges. Cullompton: Willan

    3. Carlen, P. (Ed 2002) Women and Punishment: The Struggle for justice. Cullompton; Willan

    4. Davies, M.; Croall, H. & Tyrer, J. (2005) (3rd edition) Criminal Justice: An Introduction to the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales. London: Longman

    5. Garland, D. (Ed 2001) Mass Imprisonment: Social Causes and Consequences. London: Sage.

    6. Johnstone, G. (2002) Restorative Justice: Ideas, Values, Debates. Cullompton: Willan

    7. Maguire, M.; Morgan, R. & Reiner, R. (Eds 2002) (3rd Edition) The Oxford handbook of Criminology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    8. Muncie, J. & Wilson, D. (Eds 2004) Student Handbook of Criminal Justice and Criminology. London: Cavendish.

    9. Reiner, R. (2000) (3rd Edition) The Politics of the Police. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    10. Smith, R. (2003) Youth Justice: Ideas, Policy, Practice. Cullompton: Willan

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A (Controlled conditions)

Description of each element Element weighting

1.1 x 3 hour unseen examination 50%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 1500 word report (comparative criminal justice agency) 25%

2. 1 x 1500 word essay 25%

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)

Component A (Controlled conditions)

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 3 hour unseen examination 50%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 3000 word essay 50%

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.

Specification confirmed by ………Approved at VARC meeting………Date ……30.05.07…………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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