1. Be able to show knowledge and understanding of the relationship between the media and crime. 1. Knowledge and understanding
2. Learning
4. Analysis
6. Communication
7. Application

2. Be able to learn and evaluate a range of different crime prevention policies, and communicate their effectiveness according to a range of different sociological perspectives, such as right and left realists. 2. Learning
3. Enquiry
4. Analysis
5. Problem Solving
6. Communication

3. Be able to analyse a range of different types of penal punishments. Show knowledge and understanding of a range of historical and global differences in forms of punishment, and sociological perspectives on their effectiveness.
1. Knowledge and understanding
2. Learning
4. Analysis
6. Communication
7. Application

4. Be able to apply knowledge and understanding of different sociological theories of crime, showing analysis and quality of written communication.
1. Knowledge and understanding
2. Learning
4. Analysis
6. Communication
7. Application

Students will learn different sociological perspectives on the relationship between crime and the media. This will include how the media reports crime, what types of crime are mostly reported, sensationalism, moral panics, deviancy amplification and fear of crime. This will also look at the interactionist perspective of how the media impacts who is most likely to be involved in the criminal justice system. This will be assessed by a 1,500 word written assignment. This will provide students with Learning Outcome 1.

Students will learn a range of crime prevention policies, including situational crime prevention, zero tolerance, broken windows thesis and community policing. They will also look at restitutive justice versus rehabilitative justice, and sociological explanations for the causes of crime from left and right realist perspectives. Within this they will learn about different forms of punishment around the world and historically. They will be assessed by means of a presentation, that students will plan and present individually. This will encompass Learning Outcomes 2 and 3.

In the final semester students will learn about a range of different sociological theories towards crime, including functionalism, Marxism, feminism and interactionism. This will look at causes of crime, while also providing explanations of official statistics on crime and their validity. Students will be required to evaluate the different perspectives. They will be assessed by an exam at the end of the second semester. This will provide students with Learning Outcome 4.

This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the sociological causes of crime and criminal behaviour. In this module we will explore the role media has to play in crime, moral panic, and theories of crime. We will also explore and critically analyse different crime prevention policies, including situational, environmental and community approaches to crime prevention. Case studies will be used throughout the module to ensure application of theory to contemporary crime challenges.

This module will comprise of the following:

Contact hours:

25 teaching weeks = 69 hours
Lectures – 23 x 90 minutes
Seminars – 23 x 90 minutes
Assessment Workshops – 2 x 15 minute sessions


Independent study hours: 231 comprised of:

• reading to support lectures.
• preparation for presentation.
• planning and writing written assignment.
• consolidating knowledge and revising for assessment.
• activities/discussions on Blackboard

300 hours total

Holborn, M. (2015): Contemporary Sociology; Polity Press

Giddens, A. and Sutton, P. W. (2017): Sociology: 8th Edition; Polity Press

Webb, R. Trobe, K. Westergaard, H. Townsend, A (2016): AQA A Level Sociology: Book 2 Paperback; Napier Press

Jewkes, Y. (2015): Media and Crime (Key Approaches to Criminology) Paperback, Sage Publications Ltd.

Google Chromebooks

The 1500 word written assignment will address Learning Outcome 1 and will be focussed on one set question about Crime and the Media. Students will be expected to provide a justified response to the question using evidence and examples. Students will be expected to discuss a range of theory and evidence further reading.

The 15 minute presentation will address Learning Outcomes 2 and 3 and will be focussed on Crime Prevention Policies. The Crime Prevention policies presentation will entail student producing an academic poster of no more than 1000 words which will be in response to a set question. Students will present the poster in an up to 15-minute slot to discuss their findings and respond to the question posed. Student will be expected to deliver a justified argument with clear logical reasoning for the conclusion.