Module SXY-1013:
Introduction to Criminology an
Introduction to Criminology and Crime Prevention 2025-26
SXY-1013
2025-26
School Of History, Law And Social Sciences
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Tim Holmes
Overview
This module provides an overview of theoretical frameworks used to understand crime and victimization. It covers criminal careers, risks, vulnerabilities, and environmental criminological theories like rational choice theory. Students will also learn about crime prevention strategies and policing models in England and Wales. The syllabus begins with an exploration of contemporary theories of crime and victimization, including environmental and life-course theories, and examines their relevance to crime prevention and policing approaches. Additionally, it introduces wider sociological theories and their application in operational policing and assessing policing models.
This module begins by focusing on several theoretical approaches in the contemporary study of crime and victimisation. The theories examined will be relevant to crime prevention strategies and operational policing and include environmental and life-course theories. Wider sociological theories will also be introduced and their value for operational policing and the assessment of various policing models explained.
Introduction to criminology and sociology Introduction to concepts of crime, victimisation and harm Criminal careers and desistance Rational choice theory and situational crime prevention Victimology – risk and vulnerability Victim/Offender overlap and restorative justice Crime prevention – theories and strategies Models of policing and procedural justice
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -D- to D+Assessment is based on the degree of engagement with academic literature and student's ability to summarise and critically analyse theory.For a threshold grade, engagement with the academic literature is weak; the student's ability to summarise theory will be mainly descriptive; and there will be little critical analysis and understanding of how theory relates to policing practice.
-good -C- to B+Assessment is based on the degree of engagement with academic literature and student's ability to summarise and critically analyse theory.For a good and very good grade, there will be good engagement with the academic literature, reflected in the use of a wide range of academic sources; the discussion of the academic theory will go beyond mere description and there will be a critical analysis of theory and how it is applied to policing practice.
-excellent -A- to A+Assessment is based on the degree of engagement with academic literature and student's ability to summarise and critically analyse theory.For an excellent grade, there will be extensive engagement with the relevant academic literature; a sophisticated presentation of academic theory and a well developed critical analysis of theory. Students will show an excellent grasp of how theory relates to practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop the ability to review key concepts and theoretical approaches in criminology
- Focusing on environmental and life-course theories of offending students will be able to identify key characteristics of offending patterns.
- Students will analyse the relationship between criminological theories, crime prevention theories, and crime prevention strategies
- Students will develop the ability to review key concepts and theoretical approaches in the study of victimology
- Students will examine the strengths and weaknesses of different policing models in relation to crime/victimisation and the public
- Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between criminological theories, operational policing, and community engagement
Assessment method
Group Presentation
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Group presentation Park exercise Working in small groups (three or four students) you will adopt the role of a Neighbourhood Policing team member to deal with crime and antisocial behaviour taking place in a park on your ‘patch’. You will receive a comprehensive briefing about a public area that has become a hotspot for crime and antisocial behaviour. You will be given a ‘Problem Profile’ outlining the issues the public have complained about. Using the information provided you should identify some criminological theories that might explain the offending behaviour. You should use a logical approach to the problem, identifying victims and offenders and then by applying crime reduction principles, come up with a range of interventions which are both cost effective and sustainable and meet the needs of the local community by reducing crime and disorder. As a group you will present your findings to members of the tutor team. The presentation should last for 30 minutes and allow time for questions. The ‘Park exercise’ is worth 40% of module grade, addresses learning Outcomes 1-6 – Grading will be aligned to the Bangor University Social Sciences Oral Presentation Assessment Feedback Rubric. To assist with your preparations performance range statements have been included below:- High level performance:- All group members will play an equal part in researching the problem and presenting a solution. Each group member will articulate a clear understanding about their role, responsibility and powers in the Neighbourhood policing team The group will articulate a clear understanding of the issues. Ysgol Hanes, Athroniaeth a Gwyddorau Cymdeithas//School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences 2023/24 The team should identify a range of relevant criminal behaviour theories and crime reduction principles. The costs and sustainability of actions/interventions will be clearly identified. The team will demonstrate a clear understanding of community engagement and the need to build trust and confidence. The team will respond to questions in a clear and logical way, showing knowledge and understanding of the module content. A satisfactory performance All group members will play and equal part in researching the problem and presenting a solution. Each group member will articulate an understanding about their role, responsibilities and power in the Neighbourhood policing team The team should identify a range of criminal behaviour theories and a number of crime reduction principles. The group will articulate an understanding of the issues. Some costs and sustainability of actions/interventions will be identified. The team will demonstrate an understanding of community engagement and the need to build trust and confidence. The team will respond to questions in a logical way, showing some knowledge and understanding of the module content. Lower level performance. Some group members will play a more significant role in researching the problem and presenting a solution. Each group member will articulate a limited understanding about their role and power in the Neighbourhood policing team The team should identify some criminal behaviour theories and a number of crime reduction principles. Some costs and sustainability of actions/interventions will be identified. The team will demonstrate some understanding of community engagement and the need to build trust and confidence. The team will respond to questions, but there will be limitations in knowledge and understanding of the module content.
Weighting
40%
Due date
21/03/2023
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Exam
Weighting
60%
Due date
16/05/2023