This module provides a comparative and cross-cultural analysis of the relationship between transnational organised crime and the criminal justice, law enforcement and security systems which operate at the global level.

It will look at a number of relevant historical and contemporary in-depth case studies of organised criminal groups such as the Italian, Russian and Columbian 'mafias'; the Chinese triads and Japanese yakuza; and the various groups which together constitute organised crime in the USA.

Counterbalancing and interconnecting with this will be an examination and analysis of the growth, development and effectiveness of transnational law and law enforcement systems in relation to the problem of dealing with transnational crime as well as the difficulties of sustaining international cooperation between national legal, political and law enforcement bodies.

The context for this will be the emergence of a new world order after the break-up of the Soviet Union, the advent of newly industrialising countries in the developing world, the establishment of a new international division of labour and the globalisation of economies, polities and cultures. The latter will provide a focus for analysing the key trends and developments which have underpinned the emergence of transnational organised crime historically and for developing a critical understanding of the comparative geography and statistical significance of transnational crime through the examination of official data sources.

1. PORTFOLIO assignment to be composed of short answers to pre-given questions and problem-based learning assignment [4,500 words] (90%). (LO 1-5)

2. PARTICIPATION in module discussions and online tasks (10%) [LO 1-5]

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.

Aas, K. (2007) Globalization and Crime. (Sage)
Galeottie, Mark (ed.) (2007) Global Crime Today. (Routledge)
Madsen, F. (2009) Transnational Organized Crime. (Routledge)
Wright, A. (2006) Organised Crime. (Willan Publishing)

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