SC382-6-AU-CO:
Crime, Policy and Social Justice

The details
2024/25
Sociology and Criminology
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
10 June 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BA M900 Criminology,
BA M901 Criminology (Including Year Abroad),
BA M903 Criminology (Including Foundation Year),
BA M904 Criminology (Including Placement Year),
BA P550 Journalism and Criminology,
BA P551 Journalism and Criminology (Including Placement Year),
BA P552 Journalism and Criminology (Including Year Abroad),
BA L333 Criminology with Counselling Skills,
BA L334 Criminology with Counselling Skills (Including Year Abroad),
BA L335 Criminology with Counselling Skills (Including Placement Year)

Module description

This module is aimed at exploring the possibilities and obstacles to achieving social justice within the UK criminal justice system. The module explores multiple dimensions of the justice system that have consequences for social justice through a focus on theoretical perspectives and their application to key areas of criminal justice practice and policy.


From the effects of COVID-19 on the courts to the role of activism in the contemporary justice system, the course aims to provide a contemporary lens through which students can grapple with the social effects of UK criminal justice policies. Each week explores a different social justice-related theory or theme, and draw upon a case study or example to demonstrate the significance of that theme.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To expose students to key issues that emerge in the contemporary criminal justice system that pose challenges to the achievement of justice, as well as the work of individuals and organizations who have resisted and challenged pre-existing frameworks related to justice.

  • To expose students to the breadth of professional engagement in UK criminal justice systems, in order to think through the ways that they can envision a career in criminal justice.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Apply key theories to criminal justice policy issues in the contemporary UK justice system.

  2. Reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues in the contemporary justice system.

  3. Engage in a theoretically-informed analysis of the social justice effects of UK criminal justice policies.

Module information

Please view the Introduction video to SC382 Crime, Policy and Social Justice via Moodle.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • One 2-hour seminar each week.

Face-to-face attendance is expected.

Bibliography

  • Case, S. et al. (2017) Criminology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Reading Summary Assignment 1  08/11/2024  100% 
Coursework   Essay Assignment 2  29/11/2024   
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
50% 50%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
50% 50%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Timothy Head
Jane Harper, Undergraduate Administrator email: socugrad@essex.ac.uk, telephone: 01206 873052

 

Availability
Yes
Yes
Yes

External examiner

Dr Emily Gray
University of Warwick
Assistant Professor of Criminology
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 16 hours, 16 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Sociology and Criminology

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