SOCI2231: CONTEMPORARY CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY

• SOCI1391 Introduction to Criminological Theory

• None.

• None.

• This module is designed to:
• Illustrate how the theoretical models and concepts associated with major traditions in sociological criminology have influenced more recent developments - from the late 20th century to the present.
• Explore in detail these recent theoretical developments.
• Continue to situate these developments within social and political contexts.

• Radical Perspectives.
• Realist perspectives.
• Perspectives on Gender.
• Control Perspectives.
• Cultural perspectives.
• Postmodernist Perspectives.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of this module, students should demonstrate:
• Knowledge and critical understanding of the main theoretical perspectives in contemporary sociological criminology.
• Knowledge and critical understanding of the social and political contexts in which their emergence and development may be situated.
• A sound appreciation of the relevance of the major theoretical traditions to these later developments.

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Critically evaluate sociological argument and evidence.
• Formulate sociologically informed questions with specific reference to criminology-related issues and debates.
• Employ abstract sociological concepts to evaluate intellectual debates in the field of criminology.

Key Skills:

• By the end of the module, students should demonstrate:
• Ability to gather appropriate information from a range of sources.
• IT skills relating to the production of summative essays.
• Ability to plan workload and manage time.
• Ability to construct systematic and coherent written arguments.

• Lectures: weekly lectures will introduce students to the major theoretical perspectives characterising contemporary sociological criminology.
• Seminars: fortnightly seminars provide an opportunity for seminar tutors to work with small groups, exploring in greater depth, and collectively, themes and issues arising from the lectures and associated reading.
• Formative essay: this optional assessment provides students with opportunities to enhance subject-specific knowledge, subject-specific skills and key skills. Feedback on the formative assignment enables students to critically reflect on the development of their knowledge and skill.
• Summative Assessment: A summative essay enables students to demonstrate their achievement and understanding of a specific topic in depth and to construct a systematic discussion within word-limited constraints.
• A 'take-home' examination tests the range, depth and sophistication of a student's knowledge and understanding of the subject matter together with the ability to argue coherently and to communicate effectively in writing under time pressure. You will have 2 hours to complete this examination within a 24-hour period. A start time and end time will be set through 'Turnitin' and you can complete the exam anytime during the 24-hours. Full instructions regarding this assessment will be provided closer to the examination period.

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