Course Description

Course Name

Crime and Justice

Session: VSRS3122

20 SCQF Credits

Taught In English

CRMU9T4 is designed to introduce students to the subject of criminology, tracing some of the major themes that

arise within this discipline. The module begins with an overview of the development of criminology and provides

an in-depth critique of criminological theory before examining the two major avenues by which the public obtain

information about crime - the media and official statistics. The image of criminals presented in these sources - in

particular, the criminal as a young, lower class, ethnic minority male - are then questioned through an examination

of bias and discrimination in the criminal justice system. This examination extends to the processes that produce

our definitions of crime and the broader social and political context within which this crime occurs. The module

concludes with an assessment of what we know about crime and the implications of this knowledge for the

development of crime prevention policy.

Students will develop the ability to take each theoretical perspective and look at issues of objectivity, values and

the role of the criminologist in explaining the causes and consequences of behaviour defined as criminal. Students

will be expected to demonstrate and develop skills in the critical understanding, analysis and communication of

theoretical concepts that will be a major focus of the discussion sessions and assessment. Students will also

develop skills in debating fundamental questions about order and control in society with reference to gender,

class, the media, power and the state.

*Course content subject to change