Module: CRI5101-20 The Criminological Mind

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Faye Vanstone

Module Tutor Contact Details: f.vanstone@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module:

This module investigates thinking about crime and punishment in the form of criminological theories, perspectives and debates. The development of criminological thought will be explored within social and historical context, tracking its beginnings in ancient philosophy, through the eighteenth century intellectual movement of the Enlightenment, into the modern and postmodern world. You will interrogate the classical and contemporary forms of criminological inquiry in order to develop your understanding of the causes of crime and the extent to which criminological thought has influenced policy and legislation.

2.Outline syllabus:

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

• The foundations of criminological thought

• Classical criminology

• Social theories of crime

• Control theories

• The psychology of crime

• Feminist criminologies

• Realist criminologies

• Critical and Marxist criminologies

• Desistance theories

• Postmodern and cultural criminologies

• Penal society theories

• Psychosocial criminology

3.Teaching and learning activities:

This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and classroom-based workshops/seminars. Lectures will introduce the theories, concepts and debates in each topic. Seminars will develop knowledge and critical understanding with a focus on one aspect of the topic in classroom-based discussions and activities.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Review of land-mark text in criminological theory (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 40

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Essay (3000 words)

• % Weighting: 60