The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 150 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 36 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 114 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks.

Contact will include a mixture of small and larger group activities, much of it based on the principles of practice and problem based learning. Learning will be organised into a series of sessions where students will be required to participate. Each session will be based around a problem or issue, and students will work towards a range of solutions by specifying objectives, identifying constraints, obtaining background information, applying related theory and knowledge based around the subject matter.

Large group sessions seek to establish an overview framework within which selected theories and rules of the subject matter can be more effectively developed. They will verify and consolidate knowledge and understanding and will engage in more detailed exposition of selected theories, rules and constraints.

The guided learning will incorporate a mixture of activities, some of which will require group work and electronic interaction. The learning will be facilitated by use of the VLE platform and discussions/interactions between students and tutors.

Students will be expected to be familiar with contemporary discussions in this area of law, and to bring a range of ideas to bear on the discussions. Thus, although there will be a framework of knowledge and understanding, students will be actively, rather than passively, engaged in the process of both learning about, and increasing understanding of, the subject matter.

The module will use a blend of teaching methods to enable different styles of learning to be facilitated. The differing methods will also be a platform for the development of essential skills such as intellectual skills, communication skills and problem solving, as well as research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, argument, judgement and appropriate use of IT.

Working towards the assessment tasks will be a key element of the learning, and tutors will be available to guide students through the process, and to improve their ability to meet the learning outcomes to a high standard. It is expected that around 50 hours of the module will be devoted to the assessment tasks - much of it during the self-directed periods in relation to the extended writing assessment.

Assessment will be an integral part of the module. There will be one assessment point and workshops specifically focused on assessment activities will be scheduled into the timetable. Earlier tasks will be shorter and more succinct, enabling fast feedback from the tutors so that students can learn and improve for later assessment tasks. Formative feedback will be provided wherever possible.

Assessment is comprised of:

1. Short research project (2,500 words) on an area relating to socio-spatial criminology (100%)- assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3.


Assessment themes will be built into workshop sessions and students will receive a supervision sessions for extended research based writing.

Module Study Guide

Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources

Computing facilities to access material available via Blackboard, and the Web.

Wortley, R., & Mazerolle, L. Environmental Criminology and Crime Analysis (William Publishing, 2008)

Shelupanov, A. StreetCraft Stories from the frontline of Criminal Justice Innovation. (Centre for Justice Innovation, 2014)

Ragonese, E., Rees, A., Ives, J., & Dray, T. The Routledge Guide to Working in Criminal Justice: Employability skills and careers in the Criminal Justice sector . (Routledge, 2014)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an ability to conduct independent research including the use of and evaluation of, appropriate online resources.
Learning
Enquiry
Reflection

2. Demonstrate an ability to critically examine an appropriate area of Socio-Spatial crime reduction and community safety theory efficiently and effectively in writing.
Knowledge and Understanding
Communication

3. Communicate an understanding of crime, control and spatial awareness in relation to crime and justice. Learning to apply those theories to practical examples.
Reflection
Communication
Problem solving

This module introduces students the consideration of the role of space, place and the environment in influencing the location of offences and offenders. The module also introduces the concept of offender management with a view to commercial awareness contextualised to the Criminal Justice services sector and working within the contemporary offender management environment. Indicative content includes:

- The nature of offender management organisation and structures
- Changing orientations in the spatial study of crime and offending
- An evaluation of different sources of crime and offender data
- Defensible space
- Crime prevention though design
- Spatial aspects of crime and analysis
- Delinquency areas and partnership approach
- Spatial/community aspects of policing
– Practical application of theory

The module name derives from legislation that regarded the term ‘crime prevention’ purely as a police mandate. Community safety therefore became an inclusive strategy that involved all authorities including councils, police, housing, and importantly communities in tackling local crime issues. You will examine theoretical strategy and practical examples of developing environmental crime and anti-social behaviour reduction. Every crime has a place, therefore how can you develop that ‘place’ in order to reduce future opportunity for crime?