Module SOCI3381: SOCIOLOGY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Department: Sociology

SOCI3381: SOCIOLOGY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To apply theoretical resources from social studies of science & technology, socio-legal studies, and sociology of identity, to the analysis of the nature and uses of forensic science in criminal justice systems;
• Explore the current standing of UK forensic science, through key debates and topics (such as the ethics and social impact of the police National DNA Database, the validity and reliability of fingerprint evidence, the commercialization of forensic science etc)
• To situate the organization of forensic science provision within wider policy trends, ie. neo-liberalism, globalization etc
• Situate UK forensic science in an international context, particularly regarding EU policy initiatives, and by comparing and contrasting developments in jurisdictions abroad.

Content

• Sociology of Science & Technology as applied to Forensic Science
• Ethical, social and legal issues associated with forensic science and technology
• Police uses of forensic science
• Forensic science and court deliberation
• Criminal investigations as routine and exceptional work
• The organisation of forensic science provision in the UK
• The ‘co-production’ of forensic technologies, legal understandings and social categories
• Governmentality, surveillance and society
• The globalization/internationalization of forensic science

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will be be able to demonstrate:
• A critical appreciation of the scope and limitations of forensic science for both investigative and prosecutorial purposes
• Specialised knowledge of police uses of forensic science in support of criminal investigations;
• Knowledge of insights from key social scientific traditions (social studies of science, socio-legal studies, and sociology of identity) relevant to the understanding of the uses of forensic science in the UK criminal justice system;
• The ability to impartially apply these insights to key topics relating to modern forensic science
• Knowledge of the current research agenda of sociological studies of forensic science
• Ability to relate key forensic science topics to broader social and political trends, i.e. globalization, neoliberalism etc
• Knowledge of the use and role of expert evidence in legal systems
• Up-to-date knowledge of national and international public policy developments concerning forensic science

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• Critically evaluate sociological argument and evidence
• Impartially and critically evaluate claims made about forensic science and technology
• Formulate sociologically informed questions with specific reference to criminology-related issues and debates
• Compare and contrast the organization and use of forensic science across different national jurisdictions and legal systems
• Place the development of forensic science within the wider context of concerns about the globalization of crime

• By the end of the module, students should demonstrate:
• Ability to gather appropriate information from a range of sources
• Critical analysis of sources and evidence
• IT skills relating to production of summative essays
• ability to plan workload and manage time
• ability to construct systematic and coherent written arguments

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures: Weekly lectures will provide students with theoretical and substantive knowledge necessary to develop understanding of the module topics.
• Seminars: Fortnightly seminars provide an opportunity for seminar tutors to work with small groups, exploring in greater depth, and collectively, themes and issues arising from the lectures and associated reading. A proportion of seminars will be structured around student presentations. For these, students will work beforehand in twos/threes on a topic congruent with the learning outcomes for this module, as indicated in the Module Programme.
• Formative work: this provides students with opportunities to enhance subject-specific knowledge, subject-specific skill and key skills. Feedback on the formative assignments enables students to critically reflect on the development of their knowledge and skill.
• Summative Assessment: A summative essay enables students to demonstrate their achievement and understanding of a specific topic in depth and to construct a systematic discusion within word-limited constraints. An examination tests the range, depth and sophistication of a students' knowledge and understanding of the subject matter together with the ability to argue coherently and to communicate effectively in writing under time.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 1500 word essay

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University