Theoretical Frontiers in Criminology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI4082 | Sociology and Social Policy | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- SOCI4082
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
During the course of this module we will consider a range of theoretical and conceptual issues in criminology. The module is designed to be accessible to students who have not studied criminology before (or are returning to it after some time) without going back over too much ground other students may have trodden in undergraduate modules on criminological theory. It looks at some of the key preoccupations of criminology; what it has to say about some contemporary crime problems; some of the challenges it faces, and where the discipline might be heading. The logic of the module’s structure is that, after starting with theories of offending over the life-course, we move on to take a fresh, often critical, look at some of the issues which criminology has overlooked, before turning to explore the crime drop, the fear of crime, explaining crime trends, climate change and crime, and how theories develop over time.
Target Students
Available to all PGT and PGR students including subsidiary students from outside the school. Also available to postgraduate Exchange students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 4,000 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To develop a systematic critical understanding of a range of theories and concepts in criminology.Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
a) Knowledge and Understanding of:
- A critical and reflexive understanding of the research that is carried out within criminology and criminal justice.
- The theories that have shaped and continue to shape the discipline.
b) Intellectual Skills:
- Ability to critically assess research reports.
- Ability to develop reasonable and coherent arguments.
c) Professional Practical Skills:
- Ability to define and formulate research problems and questions.
- Ability to manage personal development.
- Bibliographic skills including the ability to identify key resources (e.g., library, internet).
d) Transferable (Key) Skills:
- A critical, applied, problem solving and analytical approach.
- Formal and informal communication skills in writing, discussion and presentation.
- Skills in critical self-awareness: an ability to evaluate own performance and to assess the skills that have been or could be acquired.