Home - Courses - Level 2: Criminology >>

Level 2: Criminology

Module Description

This module aims to:

1. Consider and critically assess criminological, legal and statistical definitions of crime
2. Introduce students to a range of historical and contemporary criminological perspectives on crime
3. Discuss and critically evaluate a range of biological and psychological perspectives on the causes of criminality
4. Discuss and critically evaluate a range of perspectives on the role of the 21st Century Police Force, and consider discrimination within the operation of the police
5. Identify historical and current perspectives on the function of punishment and the penal system
6. Provide the opportunity for students to consider the ‘What Works’ debate in relation to punishment

Module Content

1. Session 1
What is Criminology?

2. Session 2
Criminology and Crime

3. Session 3
Theories of Criminality – Criminological Approaches

4. Session 4
Theories of Criminality – Criminological Approaches

5. Session 5
Theories of Criminality – Biological Approaches

6. Session 6
Theories of Criminality – Psychological Approaches

7. Session 7
Policing and the Police – The Role of the Police

8. Session 8
Policing and the Police – Discretion and Discrimination
Current Developments in Police Policy and Practice

9. Session 9
Crime and Punishment – The Role of the Penal System

10. Session10
Prison and the ‘What Works’ Debate
The Probation Service and Community Penalties

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Identify and critically assess a variety of definitions of crime
• Understand key historical and contemporary criminological theories of crime
• Understand and critically evaluate both biological and psychological theories of crime
• Recognise a number of perspectives on the role of punishment and the penal system
• Appreciate the role of the 21st Century Police Force and the potential for discrimination within the Police Force

Back to courses