SO210     
Crime, Deviance and Control

This information is for the 2019/20 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Ioanna Gouseti

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Language, Culture and Society, BSc in Social Policy and Sociology and BSc in Sociology. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

Course content

This course encourages students to think about and debate some of the major issues in Criminology and the Sociology of Deviance. We explore the social construction of crime and deviance; the different sources of information about them; key factors that shape patterns, perspectives and experiences of crime and deviance, including social class, gender, ethnicity and the media; and different Criminological theories that have been used to explain crime and deviance. We also explore elements of social control including policing and prisons.

Teaching

6 hours of lectures, 6 hours of classes and 8 hours of workshops in the MT. 6 hours of lectures, 6 hours of classes and 8 hours of workshops in the LT. 2 hours of workshops in the ST.

Formative coursework

Students are required to complete two formative essays – one in MT and one in LT

Indicative reading

There is no set text for this course, and a full reading list is provided at the first class. The following is useful introductory reading that includes topics covered on the course:

  • Carrabine E et al (2016) Criminology: A Sociological Perspective;
  • Downes, D & Rock, P (2011, 4th Edition) Understanding Deviance;
  • Liebling, A et al, (2017, 5th Edition) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology;
  • Tierney, J (2018, 4th Edition) Criminology: Theory and Context;
  • Walklate, S (2016) Criminology: The Basics.

Assessment

Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Research report (15%) and group presentation (10%) in the LT.
Research report (15%) in the ST.
Group presentation (10%) in the MT.

Attendance at all classes and submission of all set coursework is required.

Student performance results

(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)

Classification % of students
First 24
2:1 60.4
2:2 10.4
Third 2.1
Fail 3.1

Key facts

Department: Sociology

Total students 2018/19: 33

Average class size 2018/19: 17

Capped 2018/19: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information