Accessibility statement

Law & Social Control - SOC00016M

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  • Department: Sociology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Silvia Falcetta
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

The purpose of this module is to explore how formal and informal forms of social control shape the social order of contemporary societies. Examining a wide range of social controls - from formal, legally mandated mechanisms within criminal justice systems, to informal mechanisms embedded in everyday life - the module considers the various ways in which individuals and groups influence the behaviours of others. Focusing primarily on the social regulation of deviance, the module also explores how social controls fashion patterns of normal behaviour in society. Throughout the module, students are encouraged in teaching sessions and through independent reading to critically engage with the concept of social control and to consider how it can be used to explain a number of aspects of contemporary social life.

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of the module students can expect to have:

  • a comprehensive knowledge of the concept of social control;
  • a critical understanding of the relationship between law and social control;
  • a knowledge of various mechanisms of social control - both formal and informal - and how these are established and sustained in institutions and social practices;
  • a critical appreciation of how social control is established both by criminal justice systems and the mundane practices of everyday life (and a dynamic interaction between the two).

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Assessment 1 - 5000 word Essay 		N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Assessment 1 - 5000 word Essay 		N/A 100

Module feedback

Feedback on all work is provided in a variety of ways and you must make the most of all opportunities do discuss your assessment and study progress:
1. After each open assessment you will receive feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of your work. This will be available within 4 weeks of the submission deadline
2. You will meet with your supervisor twice a term and you should discuss any concerns that you have and also present your assessment feedback for further comment
3. You will be asked to comment on the teaching of the modules and results will be discussed at Teaching Committee
4. You will have five supervision meetings with your dissertation supervisor through the summer months to enable you to discuss the different aspects of your work.

Indicative reading

These will be available on the module sites through the Yorkshare VLE. Most reading materials will be journals or book chapters which will be in pdf format. These can be downloaded and annotated on your work pc if you don t want the expense of printing.

Recommended books will be available in the library for reference only.


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.