University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Template revised October 2005)
Code: UPSN7X-30-M Title: Criminological Theory and Criminal Justice Practice
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 09 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 should be able to:
1. Demonstrate awareness of the development, application, strengths and weaknesses regarding a range of criminological theories. (Component A1)
2. Critically analyse and evaluate a number of criminological theories. (Component A1)
3. Synthesise their knowledge in order to make links between criminological theory and research with criminal justice practice. (Component A1 and A2)
4. Identify the key criminal justice agencies, showing understanding of their formation and development, along with their contemporary role and purpose. (Component A1 and A2)
5. Understand key problems of crime, explanations of crime and the operation of the criminal justice system. (Component A1 and A2)
Syllabus outline:
This module provides a broad overview of some of the most up-to-date and innovative areas of research, theory and practice in the fields of Criminology and Criminal Justice studies.
The approach adopted is to explore key theoretical and policy debates and how this knowledge can be used to assist in understanding particular contemporary criminological issues. The topics that will be discussed include measuring crime; media representations of crime; human rights and crime; policing; treatment of different groups in the criminal justice system; and the process and delivery of justice.
Theories of Crime and Deviance
Measurement and Impact of Crime
The Classical School
Biological and Psychological Positivism
Sociological Positivism and Anomie Theories
Subcultural and Labelling Theories
Control Theories
Conflict and Radical Theories
Feminism and Criminology
Contemporary Developments in Theories of Crime and Deviance
Issues in Criminal Justice
Investigation and the Prosecution of Crime: police and the CPS
Courts: magistrates and crown courts, specialist courts
Managing offenders: probation service, prison service, National Offender
Management Service
Media Representation of Crime
Human Rights and Criminal Justice
Women in the Criminal Justice Process
Ethnic Minorities in the Criminal Justice Process
Victims in the Criminal Justice Process
Teaching and learning methods:
This module is offered entirely by distance learning. Students will be given a key text, workbook and reader (or extracts from other documentation on the topic) for each part of the module. The workbook acts as a "tutorial-in-print", encouraging students to carry out activities, which are followed by the "tutor's" comments. Additional materials and the opportunity for on-line discussion groups will be provided by Blackboard. 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 Electronic 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. 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.
Chapman, B. and Niven, S. (2000) A Guide to the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales. London: Research Development and Statistics Directorate, Home Office.
Davies, M., Croall, H. and Tyrer, J. (2005) Criminal Justice: An Introduction to the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales. Harlow: Pearson Longman.
Hale, C., Hayward, K., Wahidin, A. and Wincup, E. (2005) Criminology Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Jewkes, Y. and Letherby, G. (2003) Criminology: A reader London: Sage.
Maguire, M., Morgan, R., and Reiner, R. (2007) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
McLaughlin, E., Muncie, J. and Hughes, G. (2003) Criminological Perspectives: Essential Readings. London: Sage.
Morrison, W. (1995) Theoretical Criminology: From Modernity to Postmodernity. London: Cavendish Press.
Muncie, J. and Wilson, D (2004) Student Handbook of Criminal Justice and Criminology. London: Cavendish Publishing.
Newburn, T. (2007) Criminology. Sage: London.
Taylor, I., Walton, P. and Young, J. (1973) The New Criminology. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
Walklate, S. (2003) Understanding Criminology: Current Theoretical Debates.
Buckingham: Open University Press.
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 for the former group and critical analysis of contemporary criminal justice 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 (Controlled conditions)
Description of each element Element weighting
1. Essay (4500 words) 90%
2. On-line discussion (500 words) 10%
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A (Controlled conditions)
Description of each element Element weighting
1. Essay (4500 words) 90%
2. On-line discussion (500 words) 10%
.
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………Date ……………………………