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.
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Mythen, Gabe (2014) Understanding the risk society : crime, security and justice. Basginstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
O'Malley, P. (2010) Crime and Risk. London: Sage
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