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The Sociology of Crime & Deviance - SOC00003C

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  • Department: Sociology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Rachael Burns
  • Credit value: 30 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching cycle
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

  • to introduce various key criminological theories and how they have emerged and built upon previous ideas; to provide an overview of a number of controversies within contemporary criminology;
  • to critically consider the contribution and impact of criminological theory to society and to engage students in using and improving their skills in problem solving, self-management, team working, creativity and innovation and IT skills.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • discuss the historical development of the social theories that underpin the discipline of criminology;
  • understand and critique key criminological theories; express and tailor ideas and arguments coherently to an audience through presentations, group discussion and written work;
  • self-manage and plan their time, work autonomously, and take the initiative in order to succeed;
  • work as a team and co-operate with others on shared tasks, recognise and take on appropriate team roles, and lead and follow effectively;
  • problem solve and demonstrate a capacity for analysis and synthesis, apply knowledge, and retrieve, analyse and evaluate information from and for different sources and create, innovate and generate ideas, and identify and take opportunities.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Assessment 1 - 1000 Word Short Essay/Exercise		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Assessment 2 - 1500 Word Essay		 N/A 30
Essay/coursework
Assessment 3 - The Sociology of Crime and Deviance		 N/A 50

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

This module will be assessed via a two hour examination. The questions for the exam will be made available to students via the VLE two weeks in advance of the examination date, but the examination itself will be taken under 'closed' conditions - that is, no source materials will be available to students inside the examination room.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
The Sociology of Crime and Deviance Reassessment		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Complete feedback will be provided by the first week of the term following the teaching of the module. It will usually consist of four main components:

1. SEMINARS: Your tutors will complete a report for each module giving her/his judgment and comments about your performance and progress during the term in relation to various indicators and skills/abilities. The aim is to encourage students to improve their study skills, to build confidence in their intellectual abilities and their capacity to express participate constructively in group discussion. You will be shown the report forms for the previous term s modules at supervision meetings at the beginning of each term. For this reason, it is vital that you attend these meetings.

2. MODULE MARKS: You will receive these from the Departmental Office. They will be based on your essay and will enable you to judge the relative standard of your work since the same marking scheme is applied to summative Finals Assessment.

3. ESSAY COMMENT FORM: Your tutor will fill this out in detail, commenting on your essay's style, organisation and structure in line with the Department's published marking criteria. Together with your mark, these detailed comments should enable you to judge your performance according to the learning outcomes specified by the Department for each module. You should take these forms with you to your meetings with your supervisor in order that s/he can provide you with overall feedback on your termly performance.

4. EXAMINATIONS: When you meet with your supervisor in Week 1 of Term 4, s/he can arrange to have your examination scripts available from Term 3. You will have the opportunity to receive verbal feedback on your performance from your supervisor, together with the breakdown of your achievement in each component of the examination. You will need to let your supervisor know in advance if you wish to do this.

Indicative reading

Module Set Text:

  • Newburn, T. (2013), Criminology, (2nd ed.) Cullompton: Willan.

We also recommend the following:

  • Downes, D. and Rock, P. (2007) Understanding Deviance, (5th ed.) Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Lilly, J.R., Cullen, F.T., and Ball, R.A. (2011) Criminological Theory, (4th ed.) London: Sage.
  • Maguire, M. Morgan, R. and Reiner, R. (eds.) (2007) Oxford Handbook of Criminology, (4th ed.) Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Tierney, J. (2006) Criminology, Hemel Hempstead: Prentice Hall/Harvester Wheatsheaf.
  • Williams, K.S. (2008) Textbook in Criminology, (6th ed.) Oxford: Oxford University Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.