University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Template revised October 2005)
Code: UPSNQG-15-3 Title: Victims and Victimology Version:1
Level: 3 UWE credit rating: 15 ECTS credit rating: 7.5
Module type: Standard
Owning Faculty: Social Sciences & Humanities, Field: sociology
Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from: N/A
Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
On completion of the module students should be able to:
1. Compare and critically assess the competing theoretical perspectives (Component A & B);
2. Discuss and analyse contemporary debates concerning the complex relationships between the state, the offender and the victim, particularly in relation to the role of the victim within the Criminal justice system (Component A & B);
3. Appreciate the impact of victimisation and evaluate the effectiveness and availability of services for victims of crime (Component A & B); and
4. Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of academic theory and research, and how this can be integrated with professional practice when working with victims of crime (Component A & B).
Syllabus outline:
The aim of the module is introduce students to issues surrounding victims and victimology. It will enable students to develop an understanding of the notion of victims and victimology from an historical perspective and from this perspective examine the extent of victimisation and how these affect societal, political and professional attitudes. This will be done through an examination of public opinion victimisation, policy development, societal fear of crime etc. The student will also develop an awareness of the policy underpinning the Victimology. Throughout students will be encouraged to address critically the practices of dealing with victims of crime, focusing on issues such as effectiveness, fairness and accountability of the work done. This discussion will be informed by different criminological theoretical approaches which are used in the understanding of victimisation.
The precise focus of the module is likely to vary from year to year depending on issues of topicality and research developments in the field. But the syllabus will generally include:
Theories of Victimology
Policy and practice
The rise of Victimology – an historical perspective
The impact of victimisation
Services for victims of crime -
Old age, victims and crime
Men, victims and crime
Women, victims and crime
Young people victims and Crime
Race, ethnicity, victims and crime
Criminal justice for victims – roles and responsibilities
News media, victims and crime
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 victims and victimology.
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 encouraged to buy one core text; 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 as it is vital that they continue to develop the skills to research and critique the literature. There is a substantial amount of literature relating to this subject and it is important that students use that which is most appropriate and up to date. In order to assist the student with this a list of recommended texts and a guide to the most appropriate internet resources will be given in the module handbook.
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.
Core text
Davies, P., Francis, P and Greer, C. (2007). Victims, Crime and Society. London. Sage.
Walklake, S. (2007). Handbook of Victims and Victimology. Collumpton. Willan.
Supplementary texts
Davis, R.C., Lurigio, A.J., and Skogan, W.G. (1997). Victims of Crime. London. Sage Publications.
Goodey, J. (2005). Victims and Victimology; Research, Policy and Practice. Harlow. Longman.
Williams, B. (2005). Victims of Crime and Community Justice. London. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
British Journal of Criminology
International Journal of Police Science and Management
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B A: 50% B: 50%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting 50%
2hr exam
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting 50%
Essay (2,000 words)
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting 50%
2hr exam
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting 50%
Essay (2,000 words)
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by ………Module approved at VARC meeting…Date ……05.03.08……………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)