Overview

This module is broken into three connected areas for examination, all focused on the study of 'the State 'in criminology.

Part One: State Crimes From ghettos to genocide: In this first section of the module, students will explore how criminology and criminal justice respond when it is the State who offends. In doing this, we will examine how crime, justice and victimisation are defined in this context.

Part Two: Institutional Power Prisons and power: In this section of the module, we examine how prisons serve as institutions of power, shaping not only the lives of prisoners but also wider social identities, gender roles, and political authority. We will study the different ways in which prisons exert power in both physical and symbolic ways, reinforcing social hierarchies, state control, and ideas of punishment.

Part Three: Interpersonal Crimes Private crimes, public consequences?: In the final section of the module, students will have the opportunity to analyse how interpersonal crimes, such as honour-based violence, homophobic hate crimes, victimisation of the homeless, and gender-based violence, reflect deeper power structures in society. Here, we will critically assess how social and criminal justice systems respond to these crimes and evaluate the effectiveness of current legal and policy frameworks in addressing them.

This module is broken into three connected areas for examination all focused on the study of 'the state 'in criminology.

Part One: State crimes From ghettos to genocide: how does criminology and criminal justice respond when it is the State who offends? How do we define crime, justice and victimisation in this context?

Part Two: Institutional power Prisons represent institutional power at both physical and symbolic levels. Power may take many forms and examples include: prisons and the construction of masculinities and femininities; political power in prisons.

Part Three: Interpersonal crimes Many crimes of power take place at an interpersonal level: examples may include ‘honour’- based violence and coercion; homophobic hate crimes; victimisation of the homeless and gender violence in intimate relationships. How do social and criminal justice systems respond to these?

Assessment Strategy

Essays and coursework will be assessed on the degree of engagement with academic literature and student’s ability to summarise and critically analyse key issues and topics.

Excellent work A- and above = Significant critical analysis of relevant theory discussed in the module Use of academic texts (including the texts suggested in class + other you have found) Use of academic journal articles that a) show theory in practice b) present a critique of the theory Use of real world examples to illustrate the theory in practice Assignments based on critique of academic work and good use of citation and quotation

Good work C+ to B+ = Some critical analysis of relevant theory, Use of academic texts (The texts suggested in class) Use of real world examples to illustrate the theory in practice Assignments based on critique of academic books and good use of citation and quotation

Passable work D- to C = Very little critical analysis of relevant theory, Use of academic texts (The texts I suggest) Heavy reliance on real world examples to illustrate the theory in practice Assignments based on a little academic work and a lot of media or web based resources some use of citation and quotation

Learning Outcomes

• Apply criminological theories to examine power dynamics and their relation to criminal behaviour.

• Exhibit critical thinking abilities by elucidating the correlation between state power and the formulation of crime and deviance definitions.

• Explain the repercussions of crime on individuals with diverse gender, race, class, and socio-economic backgrounds.

• Express a coherent analysis of crime, criminality, and victimization shaped by institutional power.