Cyber Crime
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI3034 | Sociology and Social Policy | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK, Spring UK |
- Code
- SOCI3034
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK, Spring UK
Summary
The recent and continuing emergence of new forms of digital media, information and communication technologies, and the 'internet of things' (such as smart-home technologies), has resulted in new social harms typically referred to as 'cyber crime'. Cyber crime is perpetrated remotely, anonymously, and at-a-distance by perpetrators. This, and the global nature of cyber crime which occurs across national borders and spaces, presents challenges for governments and the authorities in terms of its policing, regulation and surveillance. This module considers how in this new digital age, crime is more complex. It introduces students to various criminological theories and explanations for the emergence and perpetration of cyber crime, and provides an insight into the experiences of victims. Crucially, the module also asks students to consider how and why certain harmful behaviours online are defined as 'criminal', while others are not, and whose responsibility it is to police, regulate and report cyber crime.
Target Students
Available to Level 3 and Level 4 UG students and PGT students including subsidiary students from outside the school. Also available to exchange students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 40% Group Presentation: 20 minutes.
- 60% Coursework: 2,500 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to engage students with the criminological study of cyber crime and the ways in which new and emerging forms of digital media and information and communication technologies provide opportunities for a variety of deviant and criminal behaviours.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Recognise and explain the impact of globalisation and the emergence of new forms of digital technologies on crime, harm and victimisation and ways of responding to them.
- Recognise, interpret and evaluate theories, concepts and research in digital criminology.
Intellectual Skills
- Describe and make critical judgements about developments in digital criminology.
- Communicate ideas informed by contemporary research and new developments in criminological theory effectively both orally and in writing.
Transferable/Key Skills
- Work productively and ethically in an unstructured context exercising initiative and personal responsibility.
- Communicate complex arguments supported by appropriate evidence both orally and in writing.