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Risk and Crime

  • Module code: CM6019
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 6
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: Successful completion of level 5 criminology or equivalent
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module explores the rise of risk and insecurity in relation to crime as a condition of existence in late/post modernity. Risk is a dynamic and fluid concept. In order to explore risk in contemporary crime governance and risk in criminal activity you will examine theoretical perspectives and political approaches. You are required to examine your own assumptions about risk and crime in terms of theorectial approaches, to undertake a fieldwork analysis about risk and criminal justice and to write a case study on an area of risk and crime of your own choosing.

Aims

  • To provide students with an understanding of theoretical approaches to risk and crime
  • To encourage students to explore critically issues associated with risk, crime governance and criminal activity
  • To enhance students skills in methods and in the presentation of criminological knowledge

Learning outcomes

  • Critically reflect on the relationship between risk and criminological theory
  • Construct a detailed analysis of a fieldwork setting
  • Examine and present a critical analysis of risk as it is associated with criminal justice and/or criminal activity

Curriculum content

  • Risk and crime as a lived experience
  • Theoretical positions on risk and crime
  • The politics of risk and crime
  • Experts, risk and crime.
  • Risk, crime and identity
  • Risk, crime and excitement
  • Risk, crime, power and moral judgements
  • Risk-oriented crime prevention and control
  • Biotechnologies and perceived threats
  • Risk, oppressive institutions and intersectionality
  • Risk factors in computer-crime
  • Evidence, accountability, risk and crime

Teaching and learning strategy

The module will be taught in a 3-hour class that will incorporate a range of teaching techniques to appeal to different learning styles and encourage interaction with learning material.  Mini-lecture formats will be used to provide overviews of different aspects of each weekly topic.  Group discussion will be used to elaborate on learning from mini-lectures and reading.  In-class activities will be used to practice skills and engage with problems relevant to topic areas.  Students will be given guidance on reading and structured activities in advance of classes to enhance independent learning and academic development.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Workshop 66
Guided independent study Reading activities 234
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

There are three points of assessment: (a) a 1200 word critical reflection on risk and criminological theory; (b) an 800 word fieldwork analysis (c) a 2000 word case study.  The critical reflection provides students with the opportunity to consider presumptions about risk in relation to their understanding of criminological theory. This will encourage students to reflect critically on their learning up to this point and to explore their own assumptions about risk and risk-taking. The fieldwork analysis requires students to examine real world connections between risk and criminal justice. This will enable students to draw on and develop methodological skills learned at Levels 4 and 5. The case study enables students to demonstrate an in depth and critical understanding of an area of risk and crime of their choice. Students will write their own title, with support from module tutors.

Throughout the module students will be given opportunities to assess their learning and their progress on assessment preparation by means of in-class exercises and activities. Discussion with module tutors in this context will help to foster student's self-confidence as active learners and reflective scholars of criminology. 

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
Critically reflect on the relationship between risk and criminological theory Critical reflection on risk and criminological theory
Construct a detailed analysis of a fieldwork setting (800 words) Fieldwork analysis
Examine and present a critical analysis of risk as it is associated with criminal justice and/or criminal activity Case study

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Coursework Critical Analysis - 1200 words 30
Coursework Fieldwork Analysis - 800 words 20
Coursework Case Study - 2000 words 50
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Mythen, Gabe (2014) Understanding the risk society : crime, security and justice. Basginstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

O'Malley, P. (2010) Crime and Risk. London: Sage

Bibliography recommended reading

Lupton, D. (2013)  Risk, 2nd Edition. London: Routledge

Sparks, R. and Hope, T. (2000) Crime, risk, and insecurity : law and order in everyday life and political discourse. London ; New York : Routledge

Sten, K and Sullivan, R.R (2012) Crime, Risk and Justice. London: Willan Publishing

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