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. We will look at illegal trafficking through a sociological lens with consideration to Marxism and Feminism in particular. This module has a focus on modern day slavery issues and poverty and its connectivity to drugs trafficking. We will look at relevant historical and contemporary examples of illegal trafficking such as trafficking in drugs, sex, arms, labour and body parts. 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'. We will also debate criminalisation verses de-criminalisation policy concerning drugs and prostitution and how these impact upon trafficking. 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.

One essay of 3,000 words from a selection of titles (LO 1-3).

& One Complete Learning Journal of 1,000 words comprised of 3 entries responding to the lecture material and wider reading (LO 1-3). It is advisable that each entry is a minimum of 300 words.

Learners have the opportunity to complete formative coursework as part of the module, and receive formative feedback

This module will be taught through a series of online podcast lectures, links to articles for independent reading, audio interviews with researchers and professionals in the field and a selection of activities to choose from in order for you to write your learning journal. The teaching content is supported by professional networking discussions and an online workshop where students can discuss module content and the assessment with the lecturer.

1. On completion of this module you will be able to critically understand the historical development and recent context and picture of the illegal trading of people, goods and services with consideration to sociological perspectives.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. On completion of this module you will be able to analyse the contribution of globalisation to illegal trafficking activities and associated crime detection.

Analysis

3. On completion of this module you will be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of national and transnational responses to trafficking and associated human rights.

Problem Solving, Reflection and Communication

This is a distance learning module, and all teaching materials will be on Blackboard. Students are required to have good internet access and relevant software to view podcast lectures and online teaching materials.

Burke, M (2017) Human Trafficking: Interdisciplinary Perspectives. 2nd Ed. Routledge, New York

Hari, J. (2015) Chasing the scream: the first and last days of the war on drugs. Bloomsbury Circus, London

Huggins, R (2021) Dealing with Drugs. Routledge, UK.

Knutt, D (2020) Drugs without the hot air: making sense of legal and illegal drugs. UIT, Cambridge.

Mishra, V (2013) Human Trafficking: The Stakeholder Perspective. Sage, New Deli

Pryce, S (2012) Fixing drugs : the politics of drug prohibition. Palgrave MacMillan, Basingstoke

Stevens, A (2010) Drugs, crime and public health: the political economy of drug policy. Routledge.

Stohl, R,J. & Grillot, S (2009) The international arms trade. Polity, Cambridge.

Tan, A. (2015) The Global Arms Trade: A Handbook. Routledge.