Module Descriptors
WORKING WITH OFFENDERS (BLENDED LEARNING)
LAWS41046
Key Facts
Faculty of Business, Education and Law
Level 4
30 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 276
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 50%
- DEBATE weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
The module will explore the interdisciplinary nature of criminology and introduce key empirical research methodologies used within the field to provide an evidence base for policy and practice. The ethical considerations involved in research will be introduced and discussed with particular reference to the criminal justice context.
The module will challenge students to consider potential motivations for crime, and they will evaluate explanations of offending behaviour from psychological, sociological and biological perspectives, through application to real world case studies. They will also review changing attitudes towards crime and offenders, and consider the ways in which these may be influenced by personal and societal morality and reasoning. Criminals' own perspectives on morality, reasoning, crime and justice will also be explored, including the 'hierarchy of crime'. Students will also investigate how morality and reasoning relate to differing approaches to justice and punishment, for example, restorative justice, rehabilitation and retribution.
The module will challenge students to consider potential motivations for crime, and they will evaluate explanations of offending behaviour from psychological, sociological and biological perspectives, through application to real world case studies. They will also review changing attitudes towards crime and offenders, and consider the ways in which these may be influenced by personal and societal morality and reasoning. Criminals' own perspectives on morality, reasoning, crime and justice will also be explored, including the 'hierarchy of crime'. Students will also investigate how morality and reasoning relate to differing approaches to justice and punishment, for example, restorative justice, rehabilitation and retribution.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Summative
Written assignment (2,000 words) 50% Learning Outcomes 1 and 2
Complete a written assignment that outlines the field of criminology and compares and contrasts two of the following: psychological, social and biological explanations for criminal behaviour. Students must make reference to relevant research literature in order to substantiate their arguments, and evaluate selected research methodologies.
Debate 50% Learning Outcomes 3 and 4
In small groups, students will prepare and engage in structured debates which analyse relationships between morality, reasoning, crime and justice and debate contrasting approaches to criminal justice. Each debate will last 25 minutes, to include time for questions.
Formative
Class discussion and debate will provide opportunities for peer and tutor feedback to guide developing knowledge and understanding and analysis of key theoretical concepts. Students will also receive formative feedback from their tutor on draft posters and assignment plans during group and individual tutorials.
Written assignment (2,000 words) 50% Learning Outcomes 1 and 2
Complete a written assignment that outlines the field of criminology and compares and contrasts two of the following: psychological, social and biological explanations for criminal behaviour. Students must make reference to relevant research literature in order to substantiate their arguments, and evaluate selected research methodologies.
Debate 50% Learning Outcomes 3 and 4
In small groups, students will prepare and engage in structured debates which analyse relationships between morality, reasoning, crime and justice and debate contrasting approaches to criminal justice. Each debate will last 25 minutes, to include time for questions.
Formative
Class discussion and debate will provide opportunities for peer and tutor feedback to guide developing knowledge and understanding and analysis of key theoretical concepts. Students will also receive formative feedback from their tutor on draft posters and assignment plans during group and individual tutorials.
Module Learning Strategies
The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 300 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 24 hours of class support and 276 hours of independent and self directed study.
The class sessions will delivered in 8 x 3 hr study blocks, to cover the key aspects of the module content, including a summary of the blended learning material, the type of formative feedback available both through Moodle and the Module Tutor. The nature of the summative assessment will also be examined.
Students are expected to regularly engage with the blended learning material on Moodle, by working through the material. This will include reading the material, undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and phone.
The class sessions will delivered in 8 x 3 hr study blocks, to cover the key aspects of the module content, including a summary of the blended learning material, the type of formative feedback available both through Moodle and the Module Tutor. The nature of the summative assessment will also be examined.
Students are expected to regularly engage with the blended learning material on Moodle, by working through the material. This will include reading the material, undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and phone.
Module Texts
Newburn, T. (2007) Criminology, London: Willan Publishing.
Maguire, M., Morgan, R., Reiner, R. (2007) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, Oxford: OUP Oxford.
Maguire, M., Morgan, R., Reiner, R. (2007) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, Oxford: OUP Oxford.