Module SXY-3036:
Injustice & protest
Injustice and Protest 2025-26
SXY-3036
2025-26
School Of History, Law And Social Sciences
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Tim Holmes
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: 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
- Analyse criminological theories to examine power dynamics and their relation to criminal behaviour.
- Critically discuss the repercussions of crime on individuals with diverse gender, race, class, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Develop key skills in relation to the analysis and evaluation of current research literature on institutional power.
- Exhibit critical thinking abilities by elucidating the correlation between state power and the formulation of crime and deviance definitions.
- Express a coherent analysis of crime, criminality, and victimization shaped by institutional power.
Assessment method
Individual Presentation
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Students must select one of three topics listed in the assignment section of blackboard and using two of the journal papers provided in a 10 minute video presentation: Discuss how these papers have contributed to overall understanding of the subject. In this assignment students are allowed to write in the first person and reflect on their own understanding and interpretation of the journal papers.
Weighting
40%
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Students should answer one of the four questions listed in the assignment section of blackboard by writing a 3,000 word essay. Essays/reports must be written in plain English and contain a reliable and full bibliography of every text or document referred to. The use of academic textbooks and journals recommend in class and independently discovered by students is recommended.
Weighting
60%