University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Template revised October 2005)
Code: UPSN87-30-M Title: Controlling Crime in the twenty-first Century Version: 1
Level: M UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Sociology and Criminology
Valid from: January 2009 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Awards up to MSc
Pre-requisites: none
Co-requisites: none
Excluded combinations: none
Learning outcomes:
On completion of the module students are expected to demonstrate:
1. An ability to critically analyse crime control technologies (A2)
2. An ability to critically apply theoretical perspectives relating to risk, surveillance and control to analysis of technologies (A2)
3. An ability to critically evaluate criminal justice agencies’ involvement in, and trend towards managing ‘risky’ populations (A1 & A2)
4. Critical appreciation of global trends around risk, control and criminal justice (A2)
5. An ability to work independently and contribute to online discussions and virtual learning environments (A1)
Syllabus outline:
This module will examine theoretical contributions to and mechanisms of surveillance and control in contemporary society. Students will critically engage with current debates relating to the increase in community safety policies and practices in a local, national and international context.
Teaching and learning methods:
This is a distance learning module in which students will work independently to reflect upon and critically engage with recommended sources. Activities will be directed and guided by a comprehensive module workbook and extensive electronic materials. The workbook will include activities and self-assessment questions specifically designed to enable students to meet the learning outcomes.
Students will be required to keep an activity logbook in which they will record their critical reflection on the learning resources provided. The activity logbook is an assessed element of the module. In addition, students will receive a minimum of four e-tutorials.
Reading Strategy:
Essential reading will be provided electronically or as printed study packs. Chapters from several key works will be available electronically via the Library’s Digital Collections Students will be encouraged to read widely using a variety of bibliographic and full text databases, and Internet resources. Guidance to some key authors and journal titles available through the Library will be given on Blackboard. There are some excellent books published in this subject area. Students will be encouraged to buy at least one book. A list of recommended titles will be provided in the Module Handbook and 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.
Atkinson, R. (2006) Gated Communities. London: Routledge
Brogden, M. (2005) Community Policing: National and International Models and Approaches. Cullompton: Willan
Hughes, G. et al (2002) Crime Prevention and Community Safety: New Directions. London: Sage
Garland, D. (1997) “Governmentality and the Problem of Crime: Foucault, Criminology, Sociology” in Theoretical Criminology, 1 (2): 173-214
Lyon, D. (2001) Surveillance Society: Monitoring Everyday Life. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Maguire, M.; Morgan, R. & Reiner, R. (2007) (eds) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Mair, G. (2004) (ed) What Matters in Probation? Cullompton: Willan
Shaftoe, H. (2004) Crime Prevention: Facts, Fallacies and the Future. Palgrave Macmillan
Sherman, L.W. et al (2002) Evidence Based Crime Prevention. London: Routledge
Sorkin, M. (2007) Indefensible Space: The Architecture of the National Insecurity State. London: Routledge.
Squires, P. & Stephen, D. (2005) Rougher Justice: Anti-Social Behaviour and Young People. Cullompton: Willan.
Tilley, N. (2005) (ed) Handbook of Crime Prevention and Community Safety. Cullompton: Willan
Assessment Strategy
It is anticipated that this programme will include two distinct cohorts of students; those who are currently engaged in criminal justice practice work and those who wish to continue from undergraduate to postgraduate study. This may include, for example, critical reflection around the contemporary practice role in relation to crime control strategies for the former group and critical analysis of contemporary crime control policy for the latter. The module assessment will reflect this variation by incorporating a student/tutor negotiation process to ensure that coursework draws upon, and is related to, cohort identity.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B A: 100% B: n/a
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. Reflective logbook (2000 words) 30%
2. Evaluative report (3000 words) 70%
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. Reflective Logbook (2000 words) 30%
2. Evaluative report (3000 words) 70%
.
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………