Bristol UWE - Module specification: TRANSNATIONAL CRIME AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY

University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Template revised October 2005)

Code: UPSNQK-30-3 Title: Comparative and Transnational Criminology Version: 2

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

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Sociology

Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from: N/A

Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)

Pre-requisites: none Co-requisites:

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

On completion of the module students should be able to:

1. Understand the nature, parameters and extent of transnational and comparative criminology (A and B)

2. Understand the impact of ‘globalisation’ on crime and deviance around the world (A and B)

3. Illustrate the difficulties associated with the study of crime in a global context (A and B)

4. Evaluate issues of crime and criminal justice that are specific to a country or region via case studies (A and B)

Syllabus outline:

The aim of the module is to introduce students to relevant issues within the realm of transnational and comparative criminology. It will enable students to develop a detailed appreciation and comprehension of crime in an international context. Comparative criminology sets out to assess the explanatory power of predominantly ‘western’ criminology by applying it on a global level. Students will appreciate the difficulties involved in such a task through consideration of cultural relativism and its implications for criminology. However, comparative criminology is not restricted to ‘testing’ theory in a variety of cultural contexts. Through the course of the module, students will be introduced to transnational crime, and will analyse its consequences in a global context. A key aspect of the course is the focus upon how systems of social control operate in different cultures, and how differences in the mechanisms of social control provide an insight into the disparity between crime rates in different countries. Comparative and transnational criminology also takes account of crime/criminal justice issues in specific countries via case studies.

Specific themes may vary from year to year but will include such areas as:

• The nature and extent of transnational crime and of the impact and resonance of globalisation and of its concomitant political, socio-economic and demographic changes;

• The nature of organised crime (as an original, continuing and integral component of transnational crime) in a range of jurisdictional contexts including North America, Latin America, Asia, West Africa and Eurasia;

• A range of transnational criminal activities including trafficking in drugs and persons, terrorism and crimes perpetrated by nation-states.

• The nature of social control and its relationship to crime in various cultural contexts.

• The policing of transnational crime and international law enforcement strategies.

• Cultural relativity and its implications for comparative and transnational criminology.

Teaching and learning methods:

1. Lectures will provide a detailed overview of the parameters, complexities and inter-relationships that exist in the context of transnational crime groups and activities.

2. Seminars comprising detailed discussion of key themes followed increasingly by briefings provided by students to the tutors (on the basis of a significant range of reading material) on comparative criminology and transnational crime issues.

Reading Strategy:

Students will be provided with the requisite reading both electronically and in the form of printed study packs. Students will be required to read widely and intelligently, ensuring that they digest, note and summarise the key elements from each text so that in the seminar context they are subsequently able to engage readily and speedily with the question or issue at hand.

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.

Adler, F. (1983) Nations not obsessed with crime, Colorado: Rothman & co

Edwards, A & Gill, P (eds) (2006).Transnational Organised Crime. Routledge

Reichel, P (2005).The Handbook of Transnational Crime and Justice. Sage Publications.

Williams, P & Vlassis, D (eds) (2001). Combating Transnational Crime. Frank Cass.

Veng Mai Leong, A (2007). The Disruption of International Organised Crime: An Analysis of Legal and Non-legal Strategies. Ashgate.

Stoecker, S.W. (2004). Human Traffic and Transnational Crime: Eurasian and American Perspectives. Rowman & Littlefield.

Thachuk, K.L. (2007). Transnational Threats: Smuggling and Trafficking in Arms, Drugs and Human Life. Praeger.

Sheptycki, J. and Wardak, A. Transnational and Comparative Criminology (2005) Glasshouse: London

Beirne,P. and Nelken, D. (1997) Issues in Comparative Criminology, Aldershot: Ashgate

Ryan, P.J. & Rush, G.E. (eds) (1997). Understanding Organized Crime in Global Perspective: A Reader. Sage Publications

Varese, F (2001). The Russian Mafia: Private Protection in a New Market Economy. Oxford University Press.

Innes, M. (2003) Understanding Social Control, Berkshire: Open University Press

Assessment

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

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element (Controlled conditions) Element weighting

3 hr exam 50%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

Essay (2,000 words) 25%

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