1. Create a visually engaging explanation, e.g. an infographic; of a criminological theory, including its assumptions, key concepts and making reference to the historical, political or policy contexts associated with the theory. Must be no larger than A4. Assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2.

2. Apply one of the selected theories to a problem-based scenario. Explain how the theory helps interpret the issue and evaluate the strengths and limitations of the theory. 1,000 words written response or 10minute audio/visual submission. Assessing learning outcome 3.

This core module is designed to develop discipline-specific abilities in the competent use of criminological theory¿to help understand concepts in criminology such as¿power, victimisation,¿inequality, social justice¿and responses to crime and deviance. The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in a range of criminological perspectives while familiarising them with the different assumptions, explanations and proposed solutions embedded within these theories.¿This module will explore the nature of criminology as a field of study, including what is criminology, the nature of crime and justice throughout history, the notion of 'crime' itself, criminology as an inter-disciplinary endeavour, and shifts towards thinking about harm, social¿justice¿and human rights.

It is also intended to sensitise students to the importance of the social contexts in which theories are produced.
The module is designed to develop students learning about 'crime' and 'criminal justice', in that they are not fixed and settled entities but complex and shifting processes whose¿different characteristics¿are revealed (and concealed) when viewed through the lenses of different theories.
The module will cover traditional criminological theories including:
• Foundations of Criminological Theory
• Classical & Positivist Criminology¿(Rational Choice Theories)
• Interactionist Criminology
• Crime & Economic Conditions (the Chicago School)
• Anomie¿& Strain Theory
• Subcultural¿Theories
• Learning Theories
• Control Theories
• Left and¿Right¿Realism

1. Demonstrate knowledge an understanding of criminological theories

University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and understanding, Communication

2. Draw conclusions about the historical, political and policy contexts related to the emergence of criminological theory¿and responses to crime.

University Learning Outcome: Enquiry, Learning

3. Evaluate criminological theories in terms of strengths and weakness

University Learning Outcome: Analysis

This module will used a mixture of lectures and tutorials/seminars to support student learning. The lectures will introduce students to key topics, whilst tutorials/seminars will provide an opportunity for discussion, application of learning and collaborative tasks. Students will be further supported in these sessions with support for their assessments.

Students will also be expected to independently study, which will involve a mixture of directed and independent learning.

Classroom

Brisman, A., Carrabine, E. and South, N. (eds) (2018) The Routledge companion to criminological theory and concepts. First edition. Boca Raton, FL: Routledge, an imprint of Taylor and Francis.

Burke, R.H. (2021) Contemporary criminological theory¿: crime and criminal behaviour in the age of moral uncertainty. 1st ed. London: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351242097.

Burke, R. H. (2018)¿Introduction to Criminological¿Theory. Portland: Willan Publishing.

Case et al. (2021)¿The Oxford Textbook on¿Criminology .¿Oxford: Oxford University Press.

McLaughlin, E., & Muncie, J. (2019) The SAGE Dictionary of Criminology. 4th¿edn. London: Sage.

Theories of Crime and Justice provides you with a comprehensive grounding¿in¿criminological theory. This module familiarises you with the different assumptions, explanations and proposed solutions embedded within these theories and sensitises you to the importance of the social contexts in which theories are produced. The module is also designed to develop your learning about 'crime' and 'criminal justice', so you learn that they are not fixed and settled entities but complex and shifting processes whose¿different characteristics¿are revealed (and concealed) when viewed through the lenses of different theories.