A 1500 word CASE STUDY analysis, based on a factual case highlighted within the Criminal Justice system, weighted at 50% of the final mark. Students will be expected to apply theories and approaches from the psychological contexts of crime and investigation that have been covered in the course material to the case details (LO: 1, 2, and 4).

A 1500 word FILM ANALYSIS REVIEW and ANALYSIS aimed at the readership of The Psychologist magazine, based on one of the four films watched across the course of the module (in class), weighted at 50% of the final mark. Each student will choose which film they will review from the selection watched in class. Students will be expected to apply and evaluate the contributions of psychological knowledge and research from the module to evaluate the media representations of crime and punishment in the film (LO: 1, 3, and 4).

Formative learning and feedback:
Weekly in-class tutor feedback and peer discussion and feedback through class-based activities and supplementary reading given to prepare for each session will be given. Independent learning, practice case study activities and practice film analyses will also be included. Film DVDs will be made available (in the library/learning resources centre) to students for them to watch the films outside of class, and in-class film and media viewings will provide the opportunity to discuss reviews.

This module aims to provide students with an introduction to, and exploration of, some of the major psychological contributions towards the understanding of contemporary and key issues in crime, law and legal process. The topics focus on two main themes which begin with psychological contexts of crime and continue with the psychological contexts of punishment. The first theme will include the role of psychology in the investigation of crime, public perceptions of crime and the Criminal Justice System, and the second theme will include pleas and sentencing, the role of prison and ex-offender reintegration into society. Throughout the module, the importance and impact of representations of crime and punishment in the media will be reviewed, and the impact of these representations within psychological contexts will be evaluated.

VLE package e.g. Blackboard.
Journal articles, videos, and technology such as media players (DVDs), Turning Point and Turnitin

Andrews, D.A. & Bonta, J. (2010). The Psychology of Criminal Conduct (5th edition). London: Routledge.
Davies, G. & Beech, A. (Eds.)(2012). Forensic Psychology: Crime, Justice, Law, Interventions. Chichester: Wiley.
Hollin, C. (2013). Psychology and Crime: An Introduction to Criminological Psychology (2nd edition). Oxon: Routledge.
Jewkes, Y. (2011). Media and Crime (2nd edition). London: Sage.
Moore, S.E.H. (2014). Crime and the Media. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Be registered on the BSc(Hons) Psychology & Criminology course

1. Recognise the use of a range of relevant theories within psychology, and their application to criminological and legal contexts (Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding)

2. Evaluate the contribution of psychological research in explaining relevant issues within factual representations of crime and punishment (Analysis, Application, Problem Solving)

3. Show recognition and understanding of the strengths and limitations of media representations of crime and punishment through the application of psychological theory (Analysis, Application, Problem Solving)

4. Identify and reflect on possible alternative approaches to crime and punishment related issues
(Communication, Reflection)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (52 hours) A combination of tutor and student-led sessions and independent learning. Weekly interactive lectures There will be a series of lectures, discussions, debates, practical exercises and case study illustrations. In class, approximately half of the time will be spent on lectures, and approximately half spent on other activities. Students will also be given a series of independent learning tasks, which will form the basis of some of the discussions and debates in class. - You will also have the opportunity to attend module/assessment support sessions. Guided Independent Study: (248 hours) The independent learning hours which will consist of a combination of guided further reading material, and completing tasks for session preparation, and for assessment preparation. Approximately 90 hours session preparation, 90 hours assessment preparation and 68 hours further reading.

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to, and exploration of, some of the major psychological contributions towards the understanding of contemporary and key issues in crime, law and legal process. The topics focus on two main themes which begin with psychological contexts of crime and continue with the psychological contexts of punishment. The first theme will include the role of psychology in the investigation of crime, public perceptions of crime and the Criminal Justice System, and the second theme will include pleas and sentencing, the role of prison and ex-offender reintegration into society. Throughout the module, the importance and impact of representations of crime and punishment in the media will be reviewed, and the impact of these representations within psychological contexts will be evaluated.