PGDip Criminology

This unit is all about learning how crime and justice happens elsewhere in the world and the kinds of implications this has for how we should best understand such matters here. Recognising that method follows purpose, this module uses research case-studies to illustrate the complexities of the inter-relationships between the comparative researcher's purpose and interpretive approach. Beginning with substantive themes, for example, approaches to comparison; issue of translation and what it means; 'policy-learning', the workshops develop a series of enquiries (policy and research based) including country-centred (People's Republic of China), policy-related ( availability of data sources such as the European Sourcebook on Crime and Criminal Justice Statistics, the UN Survey on Crime and Criminal Justice Trends, the International Crime Victims' Survey, and use of imprisonment, the death penalty) and research-focussed ( survey research, interpretive/critical paradigms). The module concludes by re-visiting the significance of the comparative in understanding the development of criminology-as-discipline in different national contexts.

The unit aims to: provide students with a methodologically-oriented approach to the comparative study of crime and punishment; present key substantive research themes in the context of particular case-studies.

- Provide a methodologically-oriented account of the possibilities and limitations of comparative research in crime and punishment; and understand the significance of comparative research in the development of criminological thought.
- Accurately summarise and evaluate complex material;
Apply theoretical ideas to address practical/policy problems;
Develop arguments in a logical and coherent way.
- Research, collate and evaluate relevant materials appropriate at postgraduate level.
- Work effectively within a group context;
Prepare and deliver effective presentations.

7 x 2 hour workshop sessions (weeks 1-7); plus a single hour drop-in session in week 8. Grounded in the enquiry-based learning approach, the focus is on you - the student - to assist to you in developing skills of comparative enquiry. Delivery of teaching is based on a combination of my guided input and group work. Workshops entail small group exercises and problem solving (e.g. using group presentations, e-wikis, debates, problem-solving). Plenary discussion is also integral, as is student presentations on selected themes. Workshop materials (including audio/video content) will be available on Blackboard. There are also many sources of information about researching, writing and referencing available on the Humanities study skills webpage and through the John Rylands library. The workshop format of the course will also ensure that students have ongoing feedback on learning and performance.

One assessed essay (3,500 words)

Nelken, D. 2010. Comparative Criminal Justice. London: Sage

Chapter one in Pakes, F. (2004/latest edition). Comparative Criminal Justice. Cullompton: Willan Publishing
 

Information

This module's workshops are taught alongside LAWS 30641, but with normally different workshop activities and an assessment appropriate to PG level.

Formative feedback will be available throughout the course unit in the context of student presentations.