Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CONTROLLING CRIME - AN INTRODUCTION
Code SOCI108
Coordinator Dr Z Alker
Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
Z.Alker@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To provide an introduction to the main institutions of criminal justice To explore and reflect critically on key concepts and debates about criminal justice responses to crime and victimisation To raise awareness about how crime and victimisation are constructed in by agents and practices of crime control   An appreciation of the range of responses to crime and deviance and an ability to interpret the values and practices of the agencies which administer them.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Familiarity with key institutions of the criminal justice system, their roles and context (historical/social).

(LO2) An understanding of relevant criminal justice concepts, debates and approaches and be able to employ these to reflect critically on criminal justice institutions.

(LO3) Discuss the social and historical origins and development of the main institutions of crime and justice alongside new and emergent forms of crime control including the police, courts, and policy measures.

(LO4) Critically evaluate how contemporary and alternative criminological and sociological theories can explain distinct modes of enquiry such as offending, deviance, and victimisation and the ways in which these are socially constructed and contested terms.

(S1) Identify, summarise and comment upon different ways of approaching criminal justice subject matter.

(S2) Outline key strengths and weaknesses of criminal justice concepts, theories and evidence

(S3) Organise and articulate ideas/arguments both in the assessed essay and in informed contributions to discussions about the criminal justice system.

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)


Syllabus

 

- What is ‘criminal justice’? 
- What is ‘social control’? 
- Historical origins of the concept of crime 
- The origins of the British police 
- Contemporary policing 
- Introduction to crime prevention 
- Criminal courts: aims, processes and outcomes
- Understanding imprisonment 
- Restorative justice and 'diversion' 
- Victims and the criminal justice process 
- Towards an international justice system? 
- Module review, conclusion and assessment guidance


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Weekly Lectures
Weekly Seminars that can be delivered face to face or online


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

12

        24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 152

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
A 1500 word essay  -1500 words    100       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.