LAW10520

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:

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

 

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.

General Resources

Ashworth, A. (2015) Sentencing and Criminal Justice (6th ed.) Cambridge: Cambridge University Press https://go.exlibris.link/2XKDM8xL [e-book]

Black, L., Brangan, L. and Healy, D. (2022) Histories of punishment and social control in Ireland: Perspectives from a periphery. Bingely: Emerald https://go.exlibris.link/2ND5GqyB [e-book]

Brooks, T. (2021) Punishment: A Critical Introduction (Second ed.). Routledge. https://go.exlibris.link/HDzwm0MT [e-book]

Canton, R. (2017) Why punish?: An introduction to the philosophy of punishment. London: Palgrave https://go.exlibris.link/sVk9VmNL [e-book]

Canton, R. (2022) Punishment. London: Routledge. https://go.exlibris.link/cPLbj0Jl [e-book]

Cavadino, M., Dignan, J., Mair, G. and Bennett (2019) The penal system: An introduction. (6th ed.) London: Sage. https://go.exlibris.link/lgPGmTfR

Cavadino, M. and Dignan, J. (2007) The penal system: An introduction. (4th ed.) London: Sage. https://go.exlibris.link/cPcZ9J43 [earlier edition of previous book]

Crewe, B. (2009) The Prisoner Society: Power, Adaptation and Social Life in an English Prison Oxford: Oxford University Press https://go.exlibris.link/QqwH5C5x

Duff, R. A. and Garland, D. (1994) A Reader on Punishment. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://go.exlibris.link/fQf3YhVt

Garland, D. (1990) Punishment and modern society: A study in social theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://go.exlibris.link/zW8zCxvS

Healy, D., Hamilton, C., Daly, Y., & Butler, M. (2016) (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of Irish criminology. London: Routledge. https://go.exlibris.link/sybKm1bB [e-book]
(relevant chapters: 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 26)

Jewkes, Y. and Bennett, J. (2008) Dictionary of prisons and Punishment. Devon: Wilan Publishing. https://go.exlibris.link/sjFd6cns

Jewkes, Y., Crewe, B. and Bennett, J. (2016) Handbook on Prisons (2nd ed.) London: Routledge https://go.exlibris.link/x8CK0Xvw

Kilcommins, S., O’Donnell, I., O’Sullivan, E. and Vaughan, B. (2005) Crime, punishment and the search for order in Ireland, Institute of Public Administration, Dublin. https://go.exlibris.link/wX8wY4Tl

McNeill, F. (2018) Pervasive Punishment: Making Sense of Mass Supervision. Bingley: Emerald https://go.exlibris.link/yzvvQYJh [e-book]

Newburn, T. (2017). Criminology (3rd ed.). London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. https://go.exlibris.link/XfSLfT9s [e-book]
(relevant chapters: 23, 28, 29)

O'Donnell, I. (2023) Prison life: pain, resistance, and purpose. New York: New York University Press https://go.exlibris.link/sCcGc24s [e-book]

O'Donnell, I. (2014) Prisoners, solitude, and time. Oxford: Oxford University Press https://go.exlibris.link/NvkbTtHc [e-book]

O'Sullivan, E. and O'Donnell, I. (2012) Coercive confinement in Ireland: patients, prisoners and penitents, Manchester: Manchester University Press. https://go.exlibris.link/b7l5X7kK

Rogan, M. (2011) Prison policy in Ireland: Politics, penal-welfarism and political imprisonment. London: Routledge https://go.exlibris.link/jQ7THT6F [e-book]

Scott, D. (2008) Penology. London: Sage. https://go.exlibris.link/b93H6DGr [e-book]

Simon, J. and Sparks, R. (2013) The SAGE Handbook of Punishment and Society. London: Sage. https://go.exlibris.link/CZHbwmcd [e-book]

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.