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 Crime, Justice and the Sex Industry
Code SOCI349
Coordinator Dr GL Ahearne
Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
Gemma.Ahearne@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To critically examine the historical, legal, social and cultural dimensions of the sex industry within the context of theories of crime and deviance, and social policy.

To understand and assess the current politics of sex work reform at both local and global levels.

To explore and assess research studies that focus on the lived experience of people working in the sex industry.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) By the end of the module the typical student will be able to demonstrate critical understanding of the major themes of the sex industry (historical, legal, social, political and cultural).

(LO2) Students will be able to understand and assess related social policy issues with particular reference to the politics of contemporary sex work reform (globally and locally).

(LO3) Think critically about recurring and transforming themes and issues in sex work.

(LO4) Critically evaluate and interpret information, evidence and explanations of sex work from a variety of sources and theoretical perspectives.

(S1) Communicate arguments effectively in writing.

(S2) Be able to successfully engage in critical reasoning and informed debate.


Syllabus

 

Topics are likely to include:

Introduction to module and the history of sex work
Prostitution and the law in the UK: law and policy debates
Stripping
Guided Walk of Sexual Entertainment venues
Stigma and violence
Trafficking and migrant workers
Contested spaces of Sex work
'Beyond the Gaze’- the digital economies of sex work
Media portrayals of sex work and deviance
Sex worker rights movement and the policing of sex work
Assessment help


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module utilises a non-linear trauma-informed pedagogy where students have some control over the direction and pace of their learning.

The module uses a range of teaching delivery including pre-recorded E lectures, workshops, watch parties, skill sessions lectures (where students are introduced to Pebblepad to log their progress and introduced to embedded employability skills), and a field trip in Liverpool City Centre. This innovative design gives students the opportunity to access lectures in their own time, meet the whole cohort in the lecture theatre for watch parties, have workshops for smaller class engagement.

The workshops are 2 hours long and contain interactive activities that focus on policy documents, critical reading of journal articles and other sources such as blogs, tasks that explore the media construction of sex work/ sex workers.

One week (currently week 4) will be a guided walk of sexual entertainment venues in Liverpool city centre taki ng 2 hours. This will conclude inside a SEV.

Taught using a mix of academic materials, sex worker written materials, policy documents, various online sources such as blogs, video and visual materials.

There will be instructed reading each week including required readings to prepare for the seminars.

Students will be encouraged to keep a learning log of their seminars and independent study in order to prepare for the assessments. This helps with monitoring independent learning and providing informal feedback.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

3

      2

20

36
Timetable (if known) 60 mins X 1 totaling 11
60 mins X 1 totaling 3
 
      120 mins X 1 totaling 2
 
120 mins X 1 totaling 20
 
 
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

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
Assessment 1 One 2,500 word Essay An essay on theory surrounding the sex industry choosing from questions relating to the lecture topics.    100       

Recommended Texts

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