Browse Hierarchy CRIM4001: Crime and Criminology in Context

This module introduces students to some of the key concerns, questions and conceptual and theoretical frameworks of criminology and aims to challenge conventional or 'common sense' notions of who and what is viewed as 'criminal'. It asks how do some 'acts' become understood as crimes and other not? In addition it explores a range of explanations, theoretical approaches and policy responses to the following questions: Why do people commit crime? Who are the perpetrators of crime? What is the extent of serious crime? How does society seek to control crime and punish offending? This module introduces the multi and inter-disciplinary subject of criminology which asks these fundamental questions and frames the various ways to investigate and explain crime, victimisation and crime control. The study of crime will be located in its wider social, cultural and political context, and the module will also provide an introduction to policies and institutions and organisations that construct the criminal justice system.