MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: UPSNMW-30-2 Title: Criminological Research and Investigation Version: 4
Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities Field: Sociology & Criminology
Faculty Committee approval: Date:
Approved for Delivery by: ( indicate name of affiliated institution if module will only be delivered by them)
Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: |
Awards up to BA/BSc (Hons) |
Pre-requisites: Either ‘Introduction to Criminal Justice’ UPSNLE-30-1 and/or ‘Introduction to Criminological Theory’ UPSNLD-30-1
Co-requisites: None
Entry requirements:
(If the module is offered as CPD or stand alone, indicate the entry requirements)
Excluded combinations: 'Social Investigation and Measurement' and ‘Social Investigation and Interpretation’.
Learning outcomes:
On completion of the module students are expected to demonstrate:
1. An understanding of the different approaches to research in criminology (Components A – part A & B of the portfolio).
2. A critical grasp of a range of important contemporary topics or themes of research in the field of criminology and criminal justice (assessment component A – the complete portfolio).
3. An understanding of how research methods provide the tools to study theoretical positions in real world settings (components A – The complete portfolio, but particularly part c).
4. How to plan, execute and write up a piece of research (Component A - part C of the portfolio).
Syllabus outline:
This module will include a range of workshops (which where appropriate will be based around the course work element) covering areas of research methods and issues in criminology:
- What is research? (Including an introduction to research methods & research themes in criminology; types of methodology used in criminology; critical analysis; ethics; designing a research proposal)
- Quantitative research methods in criminology (including Survey and questionnaire building; Analysis quantitative data: SPSS 1 (incl. correlation; chi sq; t-tests); Writing up quantitative research)
- Qualitative research methods (including Literature based research; Reflection; Interviews; Analysis quantitative data; Writing up Qualitative research)
- Mixed methods research (Including Triangulation & Evaluation based research)
- There is also the allowance for guest lecture provision where necessary.
Teaching and learning methods:
The module will be taught through weekly 2 hour workshops. Each week the students will be taught research methods though an applicable and hands on approach, whereby they will read preliminary material (book chapter and/or research paper) and then attend the workshop where they will work, separately or collectively, though material prepared by the lecturer. Electronic media such as SPPS, Blackboard discussion groups, UWE blackboard, email will also be utilised.
Reading Strategy
Examples of wording to include in this section are available on the Library Services website at http://www.uwe.ac.uk/library/info/academic/toolkit/toolkit.htm. Please note that these are purely suggestions. The module leader’s interpretation will reflect the unique circumstances of the module.
Students will be required to read at least one book chapter or journal article to prepare for each workshop. The readings will be geared around them being able to competently and comprehensively carry out the practical aspects of the workshops and build towards to coursework. 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 research portfolio), 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: (see guidance notes)
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.
Bryman, A (2008), Social Research Methods, 3rd Edition Oxford University Press.
Flick, U (2006), An introduction to qualitative research, 3rd edition. London: Sage Publications.
Jupp, V , Davies, P, & Francis, P (2000), Doing Criminological Research. Sage: London.
King, R D & Wincup, E (2008), Doing research on Crime and Justice, 2nd Edition Oxford University Press.
Pallant, J (2007), SPSS survival manual, 3rd edition McGraw Hill.
Ritchie, J & Lewis, Y (2004), Qualitative Research Practice London: Sage.
Robson, C (2002), Real world research, 2nd Edition Oxford: Blackwell Publishers.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: B: 100%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
1 Quantitative research methods report based on practical, empirical research (2,000 words) (30%)
2 Qualitative research methods report based on practical, empirical research (2,000 words) (30%)
3 Dissertation Research proposal (3,000 words) FINAL PIECE OF ASSESSMENT (40%)
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
1 Qualitative research essay (2,000 words) (30%)
2 Quantitative research essay (2,000 words) (30%)
3 Dissertation Research proposal (3,000 words) FINAL PIECE OF ASSESSMENT (40%)
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is/is not required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)