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 areas of sociology, to the analysis of the nature and uses of forensic science in criminal justice systems;
• To explore the construction of, and engagement with forensic science across criminal justice systems;
• To examine the impact of forensic and biometric science and technology on societies;
• To situate the organization of forensic science provision within wider policy trends, ie. neo-liberalism, globalization etc.;
• Situate forensic science in an international context.

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 able to demonstrate:
• A critical appreciation of the scope and limitations of forensic evidence 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 other areas of sociology) 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;
• 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 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.
• 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: Two summative essays enable students to demonstrate their achievement and understanding of specific topics in depth and to construct systematic discussions within word-limited constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Essay outline and bibliography assignment.

■ 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