This core module is designed to develop discipline-specific abilities in the competent use of criminological theory and concepts to understand crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance. The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in a range of criminological perspectives while familiarising them with the different assumptions, explanations and proposed solutions embedded within these theories. It is also intended to sensitise students to the importance of the social contexts in which theories are produced.
The module is designed to develop students learning about 'crime' and 'criminal justice', in that they are not fixed and settled entities but complex and shifting processes whose different characteristics are revealed (and concealed) when viewed through the lenses of different theories.

The module will cover traditional criminological theories including:

Foundations of Criminological Theory
Classical & Positivist Criminology
Interactionist Criminology
Crime & Economic Conditions (the Chicago School)
Anomie & Strain Theory
Subcultural Theories
Learning Theories
Control Theories
Left and Right Realism

Students are required to write a 2,500-word (+/- 10%) assignment in which they select two theoretical perspectives from the taught content and apply to the offending behaviour that occurred in any of the real-life crime cases (the module leader will provide a list of cases).

In their response, students will need to demonstrate an understanding of the context of the chosen case and the theoretical interpretation while highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of criminological theories. The assignment must be referenced using the Harvard referencing system.

Opportunities for formative assessment provided during the module. Learners receive formative feedback on one piece of draft coursework

Out of 200 hours, 26 hours will be class contact delivered in a lecture/seminar format, and 174 hours will be self-guided, independent study.

1. Show knowledge and understanding of criminological theories.

Knowledge and understanding, Communication

2. Explain the social contexts in which different criminological theories have been produced.

Analysis, Reflection

3. Demonstrate familiarity with the strengths and weaknesses of criminological theories.

Learning, Enquiry

4. Show knowledge and understanding of criminological theory in a good style of written English.

Communication, Enquiry

Students will have access to:

The University library
PCs with standard suite of University software providing access to e-mail, the internet, word processing, etc.
Lecture rooms with access for disabled students, and suitable for group work
The Blackboard virtual learning environment
Full-text journals database for criminology (SAGE)

Burke, R. H. (2018) Introduction to Criminological Theory. Portland: Willan Publishing.

Liebling, A., Maruna, S. & McAra, L. (eds.) (2017) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. 6th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

McLaughlin, E., & Muncie, J. (2013) Criminological Perspectives: Essential Readings. 3rd edn. London: Sage.

Newburn, T. (2017) Criminology. London: Routledge.

Additional reading available from the online reading list.