2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LAW1136 Understanding Crime

20 creditsClass Size: 52

Module manager: Mr Sean Butcher
Email: S.B.Butcher@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

This module is mutually exclusive with

SLSP1180

Crime and Deviance

Module replaces

LAW1135 Foundations of Criminological Knowledge

This 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
On-line Learning	5	1.50	7.50
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	5	1.50	7.50
Private study hours			174.00
Total Contact hours			26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

The online learning element is broken down into 15 minute tasks, there will be 30 x 15 minute tasks overall.

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
Online Assessment	Online test	30.00
Group Project	3,000 word collaborative group Wiki	70.00
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 website

Last updated: 27/01/2023

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