- UCAS course code
- LL63
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Understanding Punishment
| Unit code | CRIM20692 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 20 |
| Unit level | Level 2 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
This course introduces some of the central issues and concepts involved in a critical consideration of the nature and functioning of penal systems. We will explore the main theoretical perspectives and apply these to some contemporary problems in the field.
Indicative content: (1) Why do we punish? The aim of punishment and societal structure (i); (2) The political economy of punishment (ii); (3) Punishment and discipline (iii); (4) Punishment and culture (iv); (5) Fines and intersectionality (v); (6) How do we punish? Probation, risk and electronic monitoring (i); (7) Restorative Justice (ii); (8) Prison (iii); (9) The death penalty and life imprisonment (iv); (10) Wrap up and essay guidance.
Pre/co-requisites
None, though prior knowledge of theoretical approaches to explaining crime and deviance would be an advantage.
Aims
The unit aims to provide a thorough understanding of the main theoretical perspectives on punishment and their application to current issues in penal policy.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course successful students will be able to: (1) provide a critical account of the main theoretical perspectives on punishment; (2) explain how these can be used to understand contemporary issues in penal policy; (3) accurately summarise and evaluate complex material; (4) apply theoretical ideas to address practical/policy problems.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning across course units consists of: (1) preparatory work to be completed prior to teaching sessions, including readings, pre-recorded subject material and online activities; (2) a weekly whole-class lecture or workshop; (3) a tutorial; and (4) one-to-one support via subject specific office hours.
Employability skills
- Other
- (i) analyse, critique and (re-)formulate a problem or issue; (ii) rapidly and thoroughly review/rate argument and evidence from targeted bibliographic searches; (iii) plan, structure and present arguments in a variety of written formats and to a strict word limit, (iv) express ideas verbally and organise work effectively in small teams for a variety of written and oral tasks; (v) obtain, manipulate and (re-)present different forms of data; (vi) manage time effectively; (vii) reflect on and improve performance through feedback.
Assessment methods
Coursework (90)% and online question/quizzes (10%)
Feedback methods
Formative feedback (both individual and collective) will be given (1) on tasks and contribution in class, (2) developing essay plans. Detailed summative feedback will be given on the submitted essay via Blackboard (Grademark).
Recommended reading
Garland, D. (1990) Punishment & Modern Society. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 |
| Tutorials | 10 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 70 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Fiamma Terenghi | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Across their course units each semester, full-time students are expected to devote a ‘working week’ of around 30-35 hours to study. Accordingly each course unit demands around 10-11 hours of study per week consisting of (i) 3 timetabled teacher-led hours, (ii) 7-8 independent study hours devoted to preparation, required and further reading, and note taking.
Information
Restricted to: LLB (Law with Criminology) if not choosing LAWS20452 or LAWS20412 and BA (Criminology) for which this subject is compulsory. LLB (Law), BA/LLB (Law with Politics) and BA Social Sciences (BASS).
Other students from the Faculty of Humanities as approved by the Course Unit Director.
This course is available to incoming study abroad students university wide.
Pre-requisites: None.