This module provides a comparative and transnational analysis of the historical development and recent growth of trafficking at the transnational level of people, goods and services. In historical terms, it will examine the historical precedents for transnational trafficking in the form, for example, of international state and non-state criminal activities such as piracy, slavery and drug trafficking during the colonial period.

It will look at a number of relevant historical and contemporary in-depth case studies of illegal trafficking such as trafficking in drugs, sex, arms, nuclear materials, labour, body parts, stolen antiquities and protected animals.

Accompanying this will be a critical analysis of the recent response of national and international agencies to the growth of transnational trafficking and the effectiveness at the global level of policies such as the US 'war on drugs'. In particular, the role of policy makers, security services, international law and law enforcement agencies will be examined in detail as well as the increasing involvement of non-governmental agencies in combating and ameliorating the effects of illegal trafficking.

The context for this will be the global division of labour which has emerged in the post-1945 period, the increasing differentiation of societies, the growth of international cooperation in security terms, the deregulation of the global economy as a result of neo-liberalism and the social inequalities within and between societies.

In preparation for the dissertation the module will focus upon the issues, problems and methodologies involved in researching and analysing trafficking at the transnational level and, in particular, the interpretation of international crime statistics, the difficulties of covert research and the relationship between qualitative and quantitative approaches to criminological research.

E-portfolio made up of coursework materials and an online presentation [maximum of 3000 words] (50%)
The e-portfolio will assess, in particular,
(i) your knowledge and understanding of the subject area [LO 1-4]
(ii) your engagement with contemporary debates and leading edge research (LO 2+3]
(iii) your ability to critically evaluate and compare different approaches and perspectives [LO 2, 3, + 4]
(iv) your ability to demonstrate in a concise and structured way a systematic understanding of the subject material of the module as a whole [LO 5]

Portfolio made up of 3 short answers (approx 1,800 words) plus one special subject (approx 1,200 words) in response to selected discussion questions (maximum total of 3000 words) (50%)
The portfolio assignment will assess, in particular,
(i) your knowledge and understanding of the subject area in some depth [LO 1-4]
(ii) your ability to research a number of key issues in detail and present the results in a critically informed and scholarly manner [LO 1, 3 + 4]
(iii) your ability to carry out cross cultural and comparative analysis in relation to specific cases and issues [LO 3 + 4]
(iv) your ability to demonstrate in a concise manner a systematic, structured and in-depth understanding of research which may be at the leading edge of the subject area [LO 5]

Buxton, Julia (2006) The Political Economy of Narcotics: production, consumption and global markets. ( Zed Press)

Ebbe, O (2007) Global Trafficking in Women and Children (Routledge)

Kyle, D. (2001) Global Human Smuggling (Johns Hopkins)

This module will be based on flexible learning materials delivered using the Blackboard virtual learning environment and selected readings provided in (a) a limited number of course texts (b) reading packs of selected articles and book chapters and (c) e-books, e-journal articles and online news coverage.

The Blackboard environment will provide a context for:

- Tutors to provide an overview of the core subject material for the module and to highlight key issues, problems and debates for discussion.
- Learners to undertake a range of structured activities which will involve, for example, problem solving, literature searching, engagement with group discussions, and scenarios.
- Learners to deliver online presentations on topics and issues related to the module.
- Tutors to seed discussions and provide one to one guidance and advice.
- Learners to access guidance on online resources available via the web and the university's e-resources pages.

The readings will provide:

- An essential knowledge base for the module which will be available to all learners.
- A resource for coursework and all assessed assignments.
- A point of reference for the topic overviews provided by tutors (see above).
- A point of departure for the structured activities set for learners.

Learners will be expected to engage fully and critically with the resources and activities that are provided and to engage in detailed discussion with tutors and other learners. Tutors will give online academic support and guidance to learners throughout the lifetime of the module and will respond on a timely basis.

The module will run over 16 weeks; the latter will include 4 weeks set aside for learners to complete the assessed work.

A networked computer capable of accessing the internet and running applications such as Blackboard and Adobe Acrobat.
A Word Processor compatible with Microsoft Word.