In Advanced Criminological Theory, students will critically engage with criminological discourses and reflect on how dominant perspectives and theories within the discipline have produced particular understandings about crime and harm in the Global North. Students will centre a structural analysis of crime and harm by reviewing critical theories and perspectives crucial to contemporary criminology. By evaluating how power and language shape what we know about crime, students will develop their skills in understanding the role of gender, race, colonisation, class, sexuality, ability and spatiality in relation to crime, harm and inequality. Students will also build their critical and analytical academic skills to strengthen their use of theory throughout their degree.
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Learning Outcomes
| 1. | Analyse and critically review contemporary theories and perspectives related to criminology, justice and harms; | ||
| 2. | Interpret and interrogate the role of critical theories and their usefulness to criminology; | ||
| 3. | Evaluate and critically reflect on the history of criminology as a discipline and the development of criminological knowledge; | ||
| 4. | Articulate, contextualise and defend instances where a theory could be used as a lens to understand a criminological issue; | ||
| 5. | Develop and implement academic skills for criminologists such as research, synthesis, comprehension and writing. |
Assessment
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Part A: Critical reflection (500 word equivalent) | 10% |
| Portfolio | Part B: Series of critical reflections with peer review (1500 word equivalent) | 30% |
| Assignment | Essay plan (1000 words) | 20% |
| Essay | Essay (2000 words) | 40% |
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