Module: CRI6100-20 Punishment and Penology in Global Context

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Natalie Booth

Module Tutor Contact Details: n.booth@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module examines the development of modern penal systems in comparative perspective. It explores the history of punishment, and invites students to consider both custodial and non-custodial sanctions in the context of penal theories, policy and practice.

You will gain an understanding of how the experience of punishment can be shaped by social divisions and examine the goals of punishment in order to evaluate the success of modern penal institutions and the continuing problems of crisis, legitimacy and resourcing that they face. There will also be comparative analysis of contemporary penal systems to enable you to evaluate a central question in contemporary penology: whether there has been a ‘punitive turn’ in current penal theories and corrections practice and the extent to which this is applicable across contemporary societies. Taking this module will enable you to develop key skills applicable to criminal justice and penal practice including problem-solving, self-management, evaluation, communication and IT skills.

2. Outline syllabus: 

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

▪          Philosophies and theories of punishment

▪          Carceral and community corrections

▪          Offender management and interventions

▪          Prison regimes and the prison experience

▪          Risk management, security and control

▪          Marketization and contestability in penal systems

▪          Scandinavian exceptionalism

▪          UK ‘rehabilitation revolution’

▪          Penal excess, warehousing and supermax prisons

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures will introduce the framework for each topic including key theories, issues and debates. This will be examined in more detail through seminars discussion and activities.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Prison case study ‘inspection’ (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Design of a non-custodial punishment with critical discussion (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50