2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
LAW1136 Understanding Crime
20 creditsClass Size: 90
Module manager: Mr Sean Butcher
Email: S.B.Butcher@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
This module is mutually exclusive with
SLSP1180 | Crime and Deviance |
Module replaces
LAW1135 Foundations of Criminological KnowledgeThis module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module focuses on what we mean when discussing the 'crime problem'. It outlines the way that our common sense understandings of 'crime' are shaped by our everyday expectations and assumptions over a range of problematic behaviours. In so doing, it will firstly explore the construction of crime through various data sources. 'Official' discourses around crime will be emphasised through an analysis of the use of crime statistics. Secondly, it will examine various forms of crime and consider the manner in which 'accepted wisdom' about crime can be deconstructed to reveal a different reality of the 'crime problem'. This module therefore seeks to challenge taken-for-granted viewpoints about crime, and to provide a more sophisticated understanding of the nature of crime in modern society.- This 20-credit module is delivered through 20 lectures and 8 seminars in semesters 1 and 2. - Assessment is by one 2,000 word essay and one 2 hour examination.Objectives
This module will introduce students to key concepts, issues and themes about crime and the varied forms in which it occurs in modern society.Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
- conceptualise crime and deviance according to a range of competing definitions;
- recognise that different forms of crime and their definitions are subject to social, legal and political contingencies;
- identify and appraise the principle measures of incidence and prevalence of 'known' and 'hidden' crime.
Syllabus
Lectures:
Introduction to the module
What is Crime 1
What is Crime 2
Measuring Crime 1
Measuring Crime 2
Crime Statistics
Public Perceptions of crime
Media representation of crime
Media representation of crime
Module Review
Riots 1
Riots 2
Terrorism 1
Terrorism 2
Organised Crime 1
Organised Crime 2
Corporate Crime 1
Corporate Crime 2
Conclusions
Exam Preparation
Seminars:
What is crime?
Measuring Crime 1
Measuring Crime 2
Media representations of crime
Riots
Terrorism
Organised Crime
Corporate Crime
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
Seminar | 8 | 1.00 | 8.00 |
Private study hours | 172.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 28.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
Reading: 3 hours per lecture session across = 60 hoursPreparation for seminars: 3 hrs per class = 24 hours
Formative assessment: Assignment = 8 hours
Summative assessments: Exam = 40 hours + Essay 40 hours
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
1) Seminars will be used to monitor students progress, specifically the contribution to group work and class discussions.2) An optional formative essay will be distributed in semester one.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 1 x 2,000-word essay | 33.30 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 33.30 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 66.70 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 66.70 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 30/04/2019
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