2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
LAW1136 Understanding Crime
20 creditsClass Size: 65
Module manager: Mr Sean Butcher
Email: S.B.Butcher@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
This module is mutually exclusive with
SLSP1180 | Crime and Deviance |
Module replaces
LAW1135 Foundations of Criminological KnowledgeThis module is not 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.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
Unit One – The Construction of Crime
What is crime?
How is crime measured?
Who are offenders and victims of crime?
How is crime represented in the media?
Unit Two – Thinking About Crime Types*
Everyday crime
Cybercrime
Organised crime
Terrorism
*Types of crime covered on the module are subject to change
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
Regular knowledge checks and opportunities in the form of:- MCQs
- Discussion boards (responses to set questions)
- Individual/group tasks, discussion and feedback within synchronous sessions
- Opportunities to clarify/gain feedback on substantive understanding and assessment plans during module support hours.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Reflective log | 500 word reflective learning journal | 60.00 |
Computer Exercise | 2,000 word collaborative group Wiki | 40.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
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: 10/08/2020 09:50:02
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