Module SOCI2231: Contemporary Criminological Theory

Department: Sociology

SOCI2231: Contemporary Criminological Theory

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• This module is designed to:
• Illustrate how the theoretical models and concepts associated with major traditions in sociological criminology have influenced more recent developments - from the late 20th century to the present.
• Explore in detail these recent theoretical developments.
• Continue to situate these developments within social and political contexts.

Content

• Radical Perspectives.
• Realist perspectives.
• Perspectives on Gender.
• Control Perspectives.
• Cultural perspectives.
• Postmodernist Perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, students should demonstrate:
• Knowledge and critical understanding of the main theoretical perspectives in contemporary sociological criminology.
• Knowledge and critical understanding of the social and political contexts in which their emergence and development may be situated.
• A sound appreciation of the relevance of the major theoretical traditions to these later developments.

• By the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Critically evaluate sociological argument and evidence.
• Formulate sociologically informed questions with specific reference to criminology-related issues and debates.
• Employ abstract sociological concepts to evaluate intellectual debates in the field of criminology.

• By the end of the module, students should demonstrate:
• Ability to gather appropriate information from a range of sources.
• IT skills relating to the 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 introduce students to the major theoretical perspectives characterising contemporary sociological criminology.
• 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 essay: this optional assessment provides students with opportunities to enhance subject-specific knowledge, subject-specific skills and key skills. Feedback on the formative assignment 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 discussion within word-limited constraints.
• An ''online' examination (within a 24-hour period) tests the range, depth and sophistication of a student's knowledge and understanding of the subject matter together with the ability to argue coherently and to communicate effectively in writing under time pressure. You will have 2 hours to complete this examination within a 24-hour period. A start time and end time will be set through 'Turnitin' and you can complete the exam anytime during the 24-hours. Full instructions regarding this assessment will be provided closer to the examination period.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

One optional written assignment of up to 1,500 words.