Introductory description

This course aims at developing understanding and knowledge of key criminological perspectives.
The module will encourage students to reflect on different assumptions and ideologies behind these different perspectives. Students will develop the necessary analytical, theoretical and critical skills to examine sociological and criminological theoretical perspectives to complex social issues.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

THE ORIGINS OF MODERN CRIMINOLOGY

1. Classicism
2. Positivism: the invention of the atavistic criminal man and ‘ir’ rational
   other
3. SOCIOLOGICAL CRIMINOLOGY: Durkheim and anomie
4. Merton, Anomie and Strain Theory

CULTURE AND SUBCULTURES

1. The Chicago School and the ecology of crime
2. Reading Week
3. The Labelling Perspective

POWER, CONFLICT AND SOCIAL CONTROL

1. Feminist Theoretical Perspectives
2. Cultural Criminology
3. Zemiology and the Carnivalesque of Crime

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Theoretical Criminology will provide students with a critical understanding of the development of criminological perspectives. The module builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in Crime and Society, History of Sociological Thought. by: Describing and assessing a range of criminological perspectives . Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with criminological theory an ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with criminological theories and concepts
• An appreciation of the insights that criminological thought brings to the study of crime and deviance
• Critical awareness of the limitations of criminological theory and Schools of thought in the understanding of crime and deviance.
• Further developing the understanding of the historical development of criminology theory.
• Developing an understanding of the links between sociological and criminological perspectives
• Building on existing ability to apply research evidence to understandings of deviance, social control and related social problems.
• Development of skills in accessing and evaluating relevant literature for independent study, research and essay writing.

Indicative reading list

Generic Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding with the development of criminological theory

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of criminological theory and be able to apply criminological perspectives to different social contexts

To compare and contrast different theoretical approaches.

Identify key contributions that sociological and criminological thought has made to the study of deviance.

• Evaluate strengths and limitations in theoretical approaches

Transferable skills

• Undertake independent, desk-based research and essay writing skills. These include: A) the gathering of appropriate library and web-based resources that are appropriate for UG level 4. B) Making theoretical, methodological and empirical evaluations and C) using the available evidence to construct and synthesise an argument both orally and in the written form.
• Demonstrate effective time management skills.
• Manage complex information and demonstrate critical analytical skills.