University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised November 2002)

Code: UPSNPW-30-3 Title: Criminology Project Module Version: 3

Level: 3 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module type: Project

Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Sociology

Valid from: Sept 2008 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)

Pre-requisites: Research Themes and Methods in Criminology (UPSNMW-30-2)

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: Criminal Justice Placement UPSNQB-30-3

Learning outcomes:

Students are expected to demonstrate an ability to:

1. Identify a suitable research topic. (Components A1 and A2)

2. Identify and use relevant source material (Components A1 and A2)

3. Design a piece of criminological research drawing on appropriate research methods. (Components A1 and A2)

4. Carry out this research in an ethical and competent fashion. (Components A1 and A2)

5. Think critically and reflexively about the research process and about the strengths and limitations of their own work.(Component A1)

6. Analyse data and integrate their findings with an existing body of criminological work.(Component A2)

7. Write up and present a piece of criminological research.(Component A2)

Syllabus outline:

Projects can be based on a wide range of topics related to criminology. They may be desk based or may involve the student in collecting their own data. To support students there will be a series of social science research methods workshops in Term 1.

1. Electronic sources and databases 1) Introduction: What is a dissertation?

2. Data collection: quantitative methods 2) Designing your project

3. Data collection: qualitative methods 3) Doing research and writing a literature review

4. Ethics and research 4) Data analysis

5. Managing qualitative data 5) Writing up

6. Managing quantitative data

Teaching and learning methods:

1. Workshops employing group work

2. Use of IT resources

3. One to one supervision

Indicative sources:

Bell, J. (1987), Doing Your own Research Project: a Guide for First Time Researchers in Education and Social Science: Buckingham: OUP

Croft, J. (1981), Managing Criminology Research, London: HMSO

Denscombe, M (1998), The Good Research Guide, Maidenhead: Open University Press

Dixon, R.D., Bouma, G.D. and Atkinson, C.J.B. (1987), A Handbook of Social Science Research Oxford: Oxford University Press

Cuba, L. and Cocking, J.A. (1985), How to Write about the Social Sciences, London: Harper Collins

Hagan, F.E. (2004). Essentials of Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology, Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Howard, K. and Sharp, J.A. (1985), The management of a Student Research Project, Aldershot: Gower

Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency

King, R. D. and Wincup, E. (2000), Doing Research on Crime and Justice, Oxford: Oxford University Press

Mason, J. (1996), Qualitative Researching, London: Sage

Noakes, E. and Wincup, E. (2004), Criminological Research: Understanding Qualitative Methods, London: Sage

Sapsford, J. and Jupp, V. (1996), Data Collection and Analysis, London, Sage

Reading Strategy

Students will be encouraged to buy one core text addressing research methodology; other essential reading will be provided electronically or as printed study packs. Students will be encouraged to read widely using the library catalogue and internet resources, since it is vital that they continue to develop the skills to engage in independent research work and to take an informed critical stance on the literature. There is a substantial amount of literature relating to criminology, which will be invaluable to orient independent research in the discipline, and it is important that students use that which is most appropriate and up to date. In order to assist the student with this guidance will be provided by the tutor as to which texts (including internet resources) are most suitable to the themes, issues and perspectives that are selected by students as the focus of their individual research proposals. Recommended reading on research methodology and research process and design (in social science and criminology) will be provided in the module handbook.

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules at levels 0-3 only)

A: 100% B: N/A

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element:

Element 1: Research Progress Report (1,500 words) Element Weighting: 25%

Element 2: Criminology Project (8-10,000 words) Element Weighting: 75%

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

Component A

Element 1: Research Progress Report (1,500 words) Element Weighting: 25%

Element 2: Criminology Project (8-10,000 words) Element Weighting: 75%

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

Specification confirmed by …Chair’s action following VARSC…Date …09.02.06………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)