Crime and the way society responds to and deals with crime and criminals are subjects which interest most people. Criminology takes the study of crime beyond 'thinking' about it to a more scientific level. In doing so it crosses the boundaries of many disciplines including law, psychology, philosophy, sociology and social policy. The discipline of criminology is large and therefore any criminology course must focus on a number of issues which reflect a balance of themes within the discipline as a whole. For this reason, this course focuses on topics from three major areas within criminology. These are:
- The Nature and Extent of Crime
- Social Dimensions of Crime and Justice
- Criminal Justice Structures and Processes
Within these areas the specific topics studied are as follows:
- the extent of crime
- the causes of crime
- crime and mental illness
- victimology
- research methodology
- gender and crime
- race and crime
- the birth of the prison
- current issues in imprisonment
- crime prevention

Whole group sessions - a series of participatory lectures will disseminate basic knowledge and understanding as the foundation of preparation for a structured programme of tutorial sessions - 3 hours per week x 4weeks = 12 hours per block. This is currently delivered in 2 blocks of 4 weeks each.

Small group sessions - a series of tutorial sessions will examine particular aspects of the criminal justice system. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to encourage and develop both collaborative and active independent learning: for example student-led sessions - 4 hours per block = 8 hours (total).

Directed study and independent learning - principally this will consist of research and preparation for tutorials. The module lecture outline, lecture notes and study guide provide students with an integrated programme of learning guidance via further reading references and tutorial workplans. For example, students will be required to attend a criminal trial and complete a reflective assessment form to identify their impressions of the criminal justice system in action. 268 hours.

TOTAL LEARNING TIME = 300 hours

Access to appropriate texts, legislation and case law.
Module Study Guide.
Computing facilities will be needed to access material available on the web and specialist on-line databases.

Essential:
Maguire M., (1997) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, Oxford University Press

Additional:
Felson M., (1993) Crime and Everyday Life, London: Pine Forge Press

Ainsworth, (2000) Psychology and Crime: Myths and Reality, Longman

Semester 1:
Written Assignment (50%) (3000 words): Learning Outcomes 1 - 9.

Semester 2:
Unseen Examination (50%) (2 hours duration) which will assess: Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8.

To pass this module, students must obtain a mark of at least 40%.
Students must obtain at least 25% in both the coursework and examination elements of the module.