Contemporary Theories of Crime, Justice and Society

Code School Level Credits Semesters
SOCI2043 Sociology and Social Policy 2 20 Autumn UK
Code
SOCI2043
School
Sociology and Social Policy
Level
2
Credits
20
Semesters
Autumn UK

Summary

The focus of this module is on contemporary theories in criminology. Leading theories will be considered in the context of the development of criminology, and may include how they relate to earlier perspectives in the subject.

The module will cover a range of topics through contemporary theories to explore the increasingly diverse, rapidly changing, and globalised world of the 21st century.

The module will be taught by members of the criminology teaching team and the perspectives covered will vary according to staff availability and specialism.

Theories and topics may include: social harm and zemiology; state crime and denial; cultural criminology; green criminology; risk and ‘net widening’ of punishment; and Southern, decolonised criminologies. 

Target Students

Available only to Level 2 students on programmes in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, students on the BA Liberal Arts and Exchange students.

Classes

This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.

Assessment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

The aims of the module are to help students to become familiar with: 1. The development of criminology as a subject and contemporary debates about the content and scope of criminology.2. The range of theoretical perspectives associated with criminology and their use in understanding crime, harm, victimisation, criminal punishment, justice, and other responses to harmful behaviour.3. Theoretical understandings of the relationships between power, crime, harm, and social change in an age of globalisation.

Learning Outcomes

Intellectual Skills 


Students who successfully complete the module will be able to:


1. Trace and explain the evolution of a range of theoretical perspectives in criminology.
2. Recognise and engage with contemporary debates about the content and scope of criminology.
3. Recognise and evaluate competing and complementary theories in criminology and how they deal with issues of power, harm, and social change in an age of globalisation.

Professional/Practical Skills


Students who successfully complete the module will be able to:


1. Use theoretical perspectives in criminology to enhance their understanding of understanding crime, harm, victimisation, criminal punishment, justice, and other responses to harmful behaviour.

Transferable/Key Skills


Students who successfully complete the module will have acquired and practiced skills in: 

  1. Written communication; team work; self-management; problem-solving; and critical thinking.

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.