University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Template revised October 2005)

Code: UPSNNH-30-2 Title: Comparative Approaches to Criminal Justice & Policing Version: 1

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

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Sociology and Criminology

Valid from: Sept 2008 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: FdA in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

Students are expected to:

      § Demonstrate an understanding of comparative legal cultures analysing different models of criminal justice in different countries (Components A and B)

      § Demonstrate an understanding of International co-operation on crime and security  (Components A and B)

      § Demonstrate understanding of the comparative approaches to criminalisation in relation to a range of key offences including drugs, terrorism, sexual offences and people trafficking  (Components A and B)

      § Demonstrate understanding of the comparative analysis of the roles of police, prosecutors, lawyers and judges  (Components A and B)

Syllabus outline:

The aim of the module is introduce students to different legal cultures of criminal justice and policing. It will enable students to develop an understanding of the differing approaches to the administration of criminal justice and policing. The student will also develop an awareness of international co-operation on crime and security. Throughout students will be encouraged to address critically the criminal justice systems informed by current topical issues.

The syllabus may vary from year to year but will generally include:

    • Criminal Justice System of UK, USA and at least one other European country

    • International co-operation in criminal justice

    • The role of the International Criminal Court

    • Comparative approaches to criminalisation of key offences including drugs, terrorism, sexual offences and people trafficking

    • Comparative analysis of the roles of the police, prosecutors, lawyers and judges

Teaching and learning methods:

    • Weekly lectures

    • Weekly seminars based on a combination of small group discussions, set presentations, and collaborative reading of key texts.

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:

British Journal of Criminology

Cavadino, P & Dignan, J. (2005). Penal Systems: A Comparative Approach (4th Ed). London. Sage Publications.

Harding, C. (1995) Criminal Justice in Europe A Comparative Study. Oxford. OUP

International Journal of Police Science and Management

Leishman, F., and Mason, P. (2003). Policing and the Media: Facts, fictions and factions. Cullompton. Willan Publishing.

Maguire, M., Morgan, R., and Reiner, R. (2007). (eds). The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. Oxford. Oxford University Press.

Newburn, T. (2003). (Ed). Handbook of Policing. Cullompton. Willan Publishing.

Newburn, T. (2003). (Ed). Policing Key Readings. Cullompton. Willan Publishing.

Pakes, F. (2003) Comparative Criminal Justice. Collumpton. Willan Publishing.

Reichel, P. (2007). Comparative Criminal Justice Systems: A topical approach (5th Ed), Prentice Hall

Rogers, C and Lewis, R. (2007). (Eds). Introduction to Police Work. Cullompton. Willan Publishing.

Rowe, M. (2004). Policing, Race and Racism. Cullompton. Willan Publishing.

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 3hour examination 50%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 2000 word essay 25%

2. 1 x 2000 word essay 25%

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

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 3 hour examination 50%

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1 x 2000 word essay 25%

2. 1 x 2000 word essay 25%

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

Specification confirmed by …A.Chandler confirmed all SSH internal approval processes completed. Date …25.06.08…………

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