Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
SP20050: Sociology of criminal justice policy |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate |
| Period: | Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| ES 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description: | Aims: * To introduce students to contemporary contradictions and dilemmas in Criminal Justice Policy as indicated by recent research * To examine both policy and research in their economic, ideological and political contexts; * To analyse key theoretical debates on criminal justice policy and practice in the UK * To provide students with an opportunity to practice preparing a research proposal on a criminal or penal justice issue. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit, students should be able to: * Outline and analyse key theoretical debates on criminal justice policy and practice in the UK * Account for trends in criminal policy and competing understandings of what constitutes justice * Analyse contemporary debates on the politics of criminal justice * Critically assess debates on sentencing * Understand and critically think about the different roles of victims in crime in the criminal justice system. Skills: * To think creatively and analytically. * To communicate an argument. * To evaluate others' arguments and research. * To learn independently and be able to assess own learning needs (i.e. identify strengths and improve weaknesses in methods of learning and studying). * To place local debates within an international and global context. * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. * To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.). * To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge. * To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. * To utilise problem solving skills. * To develop study and learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing) * To develop basic Information and Computing Technology skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information) * To develop essay research, preparation and writing skills * To construct a bibliography * To develop time-management and administrative skills * To develop communication and debating skills * To reflect upon his/her own academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development. * To solve problems in a variety of situations. * To manage time effectively and respond to changing demands. * To prioritise workloads, and utilise long- and short-term planning skills. Content: Criminal justice policy and practice in the UK; trends in criminal policy; the political and organisational contexts of criminal justice; courts, sentencing, policing; what should be done about: rape, prostitution, victims of crime; racism and criminal justice; youth and criminal justice. |