This module enables students to explore and critically appraise theoretical perspectives and debates in criminology and investigate elements of the criminal justice system analytically with the use of criminological theory. Students investigate and evaluate major concepts and ideas within the academic literature. The module serves as an introduction to criminological theory and, as such, will pay particular attention to the main schools within criminology and their development. Criticisms of and comparisons between the theoretical schools will be explored and appraised.
These debates provide a framework within which elements of the Irish criminal justice system are investigated. Crime statistics, the media reporting of crime, policing, the role of victims in criminal justice, sentencing policy and prison policy in Ireland will be central elements of study. Students will explore and assess the current structures in these areas, examine the central debates relevant to each topic and assess them from a theoretical perspective.
This module contributes to the attainment of programme learning outcomes (PLO) 1,4,5,7,8 and contributes to the assessment of PLO 1,4,5,7,8.
Part A: An Introduction to Criminological Theory
Early Criminological Theories
Classicism and Positivism: Beccaria, Lombroso and their ongoing contemporary relevance
Psychological Theories of Crime
The psychoanalysis of criminal behaviour, learning and cognitive theories
Sociological Theories of Crime
Development of sociological study of crime
Durkheim and the sociology of crime – the influence of Durkheim
Merton and Strain Theory
Environmental/Socio-Spatial Criminology: The Chicago School, the “ecology of crime” and its contemporary relevance
Wilson and theories of defensible space
Subcultural Theories of Crime
Social Interactionism
Labelling Theory: Lemert and Becker
Critical and Radical Perspectives in Criminology
Marxist Criminology
Left and Right Realism
The relevance of Marx to Criminology today?
Feminist Criminological Theory
The development of feminist criminology
The relationship of gender to crime and punishment
Contemporary and Emerging Criminological Theories
Garland and The Culture of Control: impact, relevance and critique
Governance in ‘late modernity’ and the use/place of crime
Penology and the philosophy of punishment
Part B: Criminal Justice in Ireland: Criminological Perspectives
Levels of crime in Ireland and perspectives on crime statistics
Victims in the Irish criminal justice system: victimology and victims’ rights
Moral panic theory and the media reporting of crime in Ireland
Policing: theory and practice in Ireland
Prisons and Penal Policy in Ireland: historical development and contemporary practices
The module will be taught by means of lectures for which readings and questions for group discussion may be set in advance. Brightspace may be used for the delivery of module notes and, where appropriate, on-line discussion fora.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |