LAW10520 Introduction to Penology

Academic Year 2023/2024

This 5 credit module introduces students to penology as the study of punishment in society. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the purposes and effectiveness of contemporary modes of punishment. The module aims to provide a framework for understanding modern penal systems and the social, cultural, political and economic factors that shape how they operate. Theoretical perspectives will be analysed to make sense of penal policy and practice. Students will explore how punishment is designed, delivered and experienced by focusing on the primary penal disposals of imprisonment and probation. Key developments in the history of punishment will be covered, and contemporary challenges facing penal systems in Ireland and other jurisdictions will be analysed.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Having completed this module students will be able to:
Identify the contested, multi-faceted purposes of the penal system, in theory and practice;
Outline and trace changes in penal systems and punishment over time;
Demonstrate understanding of the extent to which theories of punishment can explain punishment in today’s society, both in Ireland and globally;
Explore the ways in which penal policy, sentencing and institutional structures shape people’s experiences of the primary penal sanctions of imprisonment and probation;
Discuss the key contemporary challenges facing penal systems in Ireland and other jurisdictions.

Indicative Module Content:

Purpose of Punishment
History of Punishment
Theoretical Perspectives
Sentencing
Experiencing Punishment
Prison and Probation Cultures
Coercive Confinement
Penal Reform and Penal Abolitionism
Race, Gender, Class and Intersectionality
Critical Issues in Penology

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

124
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is delivered face to face with additional online material. Students will be assigned work to prepare most weeks. This may be reading, watching short videos, completing online exercises, reflection and preparing to debate, or preparing written work. Students are expected to engage with all teaching and learning activities.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: 1500 word written essay Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

100

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn 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
• 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.

Name Role
Lynn Clarke-Hearty Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 09:00 - 10:50