SC382-6-AU-CO:
Crime, Policy and Social Justice
2023/24
Sociology and Criminology
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
14 September 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BA M900 Criminology,
BA M901 Criminology (Including Year Abroad),
BA M903 Criminology (Including Foundation Year),
BA M904 Criminology (Including Placement Year),
BA P550 Journalism and Criminology,
BA P551 Journalism and Criminology (Including Placement Year),
BA P552 Journalism and Criminology (Including Year Abroad),
BA L333 Criminology with Counselling Skills,
BA L334 Criminology with Counselling Skills (Including Year Abroad),
BA L335 Criminology with Counselling Skills (Including Placement Year)
This module is aimed at exploring the possibilities and obstacles to achieving social justice within the UK criminal justice system. The module explores multiple dimensions of the justice system that have consequences for social justice through a focus on theoretical perspectives and their application to key areas of criminal justice practice and policy. From the effects of COVID-19 on the courts, to the role of activism in the contemporary justice system, the course aims to provide a contemporary lens through which students can grapple with the social effects of UK criminal justice policies. Each week explores a different social justice related theory or theme, and draw upon a case study or example to demonstrate the significance of that theme.
The objective of this module is to expose students to key issues that emerge in the contemporary criminal justice system which pose challenges to the achievement of justice, as well as the work of individuals and organizations who have resisted and challenged pre-existing frameworks related to justice. The module is also aimed at exposing students to the breadth of professional engagement in UK criminal justice systems, in order to think through the ways that they can envision a career in criminal justice.
At the end of this course students will be able to:
• Apply key theories to criminal justice policy issues in the contemporary UK justice system.
• Reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues in the contemporary justice system.
• Engage in a theoretically-informed analysis of the social justice effects of UK criminal justice policies.
This course is available as an AUTUMN term half option.
Please click on the link below to view the Introduction video to SC382 Crime, Policy and Social Justice
https://moodle.essex.ac.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=668600
As there are still restrictions related to COVID-19 in place, some of the teaching on most modules will take place online. Most modules in Sociology are divided into lectures of around 50 minutes and a class of around 50 minutes. Some are taught as a 2hr seminar, and others via a 50-minute lecture and 2-hr lab. For the majority of modules the lecture-type content will be delivered online – either timetabled as a live online session or available on Moodle in the form of pre-recorded videos. You will be expected to watch this material and engage with any suggested activities before your class each week. Most classes labs and seminars will be taught face-to-face (assuming social distancing allows this).
This module, SC382-FY, will include a range of activities to help you and your teachers to check your understanding and progress. These are: participation in forums, engagement in class surveys, completion of WebQuests and engagement in class discussions.
The lectures provide an overview of the substantive debates around the topic of the week, while the classes will give you the opportunity to reflect on your learning and actively engage with your peers to develop your understanding further. The weekly classes will take place face-to-face (unless there is a change in the current COVID safety measures). You are strongly encouraged to attend the classes as they provide an opportunity to talk with your class teacher and other students. The classes will be captured and available via Listen Again. However, if you want to gain the most you can from these classes it is very important that you attend and engage. Please note that the recording of classes is at the discretion of the teacher.
Please note that you should be spending up to eight hours per week undertaking your own private study (reading, preparing for classes or assignments, etc.) on each of your modules (e.g. 32 hours in total for four 30-credit modules).
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Essay |
|
100% |
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Timothy Head, email: t.head@essex.ac.uk.
Timothy Head
Jane Harper, Undergraduate Administrator email: socugrad@essex.ac.uk, telephone: 01206 873052
Yes
Yes
Yes
Dr Emily Gray
University of Warwick
Assistant Professor of Criminology
Available via Moodle
Of 42 hours, 42 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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