MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: UPSNNU-30-2 Title: Transgression Version: 1

Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Sociology and Criminology

Valid from: September 2010 Discontinued from: n/a

Contributes towards: Awards up to BA/BSc (Hons)

Pre-requisites: none

Co-requisites: none

Excluded combinations: none

Learning outcomes:

On completion of the module students are expected to demonstrate:

    1. Knowledge of a range of sociological, criminological and cultural theories of transgression (components A and B).

    2. An understanding of how transgression fits in the wider conceptual framework of sociology and criminology (components A and B).

    3. Knowledge of a range of extreme transgressive esoteric and social subcultures and how these are theorised (components A and B).

    4. An understanding of how transgressive cultural artefacts (for example, art, books, films) relate to cultural sociology and cultural criminology (components A and B).

Syllabus outline:

The module will begin with a series of lectures placing transgression in its cultural and theoretical contexts, for example its link to cultural criminology and the sociology and anthropology of transgressive behaviours and cognition (for example, Mary Douglas; Judith Okely; Gilles Deleuze).

The following topics will then be explored:

    • Transgression, sex and sexuality (for example, the writings of de Sade).

    • Transgression, religion and esotericism (Satanism and Satanic Crime and Abuse; ritual and ritual crime; transgressive religious movements; antinomianism).

    • Spaces of transgression (festivals and carnival; heterotopias; liminality).

    • Extreme Subcultures (for example, Goth and Black Metal cultures).

    • Culture and transgression (for example, transgression in art, cinema and literature).

Teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will consist of a weekly lectures and seminars with supporting electronic resources made available via the Blackboard system. Seminars will useful employ innovative jigsaw learning techniques: Students will in pairs, or small groups depending on seminar size, lead seminar discussions in the second half of the module as part of the assessment regime (see below). Students will be assessed on their originality and their ability to communicate and disseminate appropriate ideas and materials to their classmates. Tutors will be on hand at all times to sum up and conclude the seminar and to intervene and direct discussions and activities as necessary making sure that appropriate material is covered effectively by all students. We see this innovation as an important part of moving towards independent learning for students.

Reading Strategy:

Students will be encouraged to read widely using a variety of bibliographic, full text databases, and Internet resources. Guidance to some key authors and journal titles available through the Library will be communicated via Blackboard. There are some excellent books published in this subject area and the Library is already well resourced in this area. Students will be encouraged to buy at least one book from a list of recommended titles outlined in the Module Handbook. This list will be updated annually.

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.

Bataille, G. (2001) The Story of the Eye: By Lord Auch. Harmondsworth: Penguin.

Caillois, R. (2003) The Edge of Surrealism. Duke University Press.

Drury, N. (2004) Magic and Witchcraft. London: Thames and Hudson.

Ferrell, J. et al (2008) Cultural Criminology: An Invitation. London: Sage.

Havis, A. (2008) Cult Films: Taboo and Transgression. New York: University Press of

America.

Jenks, C. (2003) Transgression. London: Routledge.

Jervis, J. (1999) Transgressing The Modern. Oxford: Blackwell.

Presdee, M. (2000) Cultural Criminology and the Carnival of Crime. London: Routledge.

de Sade, D.A.F. (2005) The Complete Marquis de Sade. Holloway House.

Wolfreys, J. (2008) Transgression: Identity, Space, Time. Basingstoke: Palgrave

Assessment

Please state which element of assessment should be recorded as the final assessment for the purposes of submitting data on non-submissions to HEFCE. (For further information please contact Academic Registry.)

Weighting between components A and B A: 25% B: 75%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

Student led seminars 25%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

4,000 word assignment FINAL 75%

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

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

Viva voce (20 minute oral examination on the chosen assignment topic ) 25%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

4,000 word assignment 75%

.

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

Specification confirmed by ………………… Date ……………………………

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