• To introduce some key concepts, topics and debates in the sociology of policing and the police.
• To examine critically the role and conduct of the police.
• To discuss and debate the significance of key social divisions to understanding policing

(LO1) Identify and explain different perspectives on the role of the police in society

(LO2) Apply key concepts, ideas and evidence from the sociology of policing (e.g. discretion, ‘cop culture’) to analyse critically the role of the police

(LO3) Critically discuss the relevance of key social divisions (including class, gender, sexuality, ‘race’/ethnicity and disability) for understanding the role of the police in society.

(S1) Information skills – Critical reading

(S2) Information skills – Information accessing

(S3) Critical thinking and problem-solving – Synthesis

(S4) Critical thinking and problem-solving – Critical analysis

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) – Academic writing

The module will address the following topics, which will be distributed across the lectures and seminars:

• The emergence of modern police forces and their role and activities
• Key concepts in the sociology of policing, including ''cop culture'' and discretion
• The significance of social divisions and inequalities (racial, ethnic, class-based, gender-based) for policing

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Hybrid - asynchronous pre-recorded lectures
Description: Lectures will provide you with an overview of key topics in the study of policing and the police.
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Face to Face synchronous seminars, safety permitting
Description: Seminars will provide an opportunity to explore concepts and readings in more depth and to debate key issues and controversies.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Seminar hours: 10
Notes: Seminars focus in detail on particular topics and enable you to engage in structured discussion and debate with other students. The discussions will be facilitated by the seminar tutor and will enable you to clarify your understanding of the readings you have undertaken. Seminars are an essential part of the learning process: they provide a forum for testing your understanding and ideas and are invaluable in preparing for the module assessment. To be successful seminars rely on active student preparation and participation.
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 27

Self-Directed Learning Description: You will need to spend approximately 3 hours per week working through the set preparation work for each seminar. In addition you should also expect to spend at least 4 hours each week on independent, self-directed study during the semester, and to spend additional time preparing your assessed coursework and revising for the exam. The time which you spend on independent study will be essential to your successful completion of the module. You will be provided with a list of recommended readings for each topic, as well as with essential readings and preparatory work for each seminar.