LAW10530 Introduction to Criminology

Academic Year 2023/2024

This 10 credit module sets the foundation for studying criminology in two important ways. Firstly it prepares students to become informed, autonomous learners in a University context and draws connections between the world of study and future careers. Secondly, 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:
Understand what is expected of them as active and autonomous University learners;
Identify key criminological themes and concepts
Outline criminological theories
Discuss different explanations for criminal behaviour
Understand essential criminological words and phrases;
Effectively use academic search functions to find relevant sources;
Critically read and effectively reference academic sources;
Understand the career options open to criminology graduates;
Work independently, developing the skill of time management;
Better understand their own learning strengths, styles, values, skills, interests and preferences;
Understand and effectively use feedback on learning.

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction to University Learning
Reading Social Science Literature
Social and Criminological Research
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity
Academic Writing
Presentation Skills
Skills Development
Industry Insights
Making Use of Feedback

Criminology: an Overview
Classicism and its legacy
Positivism and its legacy
Social Theories of Crime
Administrative Criminology
Feminist Criminology

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

48
Autonomous Student Learning

184
Total

232
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
Incompatibles:
LAW10420 - Legal and Professional Skills, SCI10040 - Prepare for Your Future Career


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Class Test: Online Plagiarism Exercise Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10
Group Project: Group Academic Advisor Meeting Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

5
Assignment: 1000 Word Written Assignment Week 10 n/a Graded No

80
Attendance: Individual Academic Advisor Meeting Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

5

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, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Deirdre Healy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Ian O'Donnell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Fri 10:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 09:00 - 10:50
Autumn