LAW10540 Introduction to Criminology

Academic Year 2024/2025

This 5 credit module sets the foundation for studying criminology. It introduces students to key components of ‘theoretical criminology’ - the ways of thinking about crime and its control that form the backbone of the discipline. Different explanations for the causes of, and best ways of responding to crime are compared and considered.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Having completed this module students will be able to:
Identify key criminological themes and concepts
Outline criminological theories
Discuss different explanations for criminal behaviour
Understand essential criminological words and phrases

Indicative Module Content:

Criminology: an overview
Classical criminology
Biological and psychological positivism
Social theories of crime
Feminist criminology
Radical and critical criminology
Realist criminology
Risk and globalisation

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

110
Total

134
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is delivered face to face with additional online activities to be completed.
Students will be assigned work to prepare most weeks. This may be reading, watching short videos, completing online exercises, meeting academic advisors, or preparing written work. Students are expected to engage with all teaching and learning activities; this will be essential for keeping up with the continuous assessment on the module. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): 1500 word written assignment Week 12 Graded No

100

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive summative feedback on their assignment. Group feedback post-assessment Throughout the semester: Should students require feedback on their learning for this module, they are encouraged to self-assess and seek clarification from the relevant member of teaching staff who delivered the topic, by using office hours. See Brightspace for contact details.