Course description
Course Description
The MA in Criminology and Sociology provides students with a critical understanding of crime and social order, allowing students to study practical research methods, theories of criminal behaviour and criminal justice, social deviance, social regulations, comparative and globalisation issues in criminology.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
COLONIALISM, CULTURE AND GLOBALIZATION
CONSUMER CULTURE
CONTEMPORARY DEBATES IN SOCIOLOGY
CONVERSATION ANALYSIS AND THE DYNAMICS OF REAL-TIME SOCIAL INTERACTION
Core: CURRENT CONTROVERSIES IN CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Core: FORMATIVE DEBATES IN CRIMINOLOGY
Core: MA DISSERTATION
Core: SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH DESIGN
CULTURAL STUDIES: THEORY AND HISTORY
DYNAMICS OF HOME AND WORK IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
GAY, LESBIAN AND QUEER LIFE: GENDER, SEXUALITIES AND CHANGE
GAY, LESBIAN AND QUEER LIFE: HISTORY AND VISUAL CULTURE
GENDER DIVISIONS AND FEMINIST THEORY
GENDER, JUSTICE AND DEVELOPMENT
GLOBALIZATION, INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND ETHNICITY
INTERVIEWING AND QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
MEDIA THEORY
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS FROM UNIVARIATE TO MULTIVARIATE METHODS
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
SOCIETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT: THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE
SOCIOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION
SOCIOLOGY OF HUMAN RIGHTS 1
SOCIOLOGY OF HUMAN RIGHTS 2: SELECTED SPECIAL TOPICS
TEXTS, DOCUMENTS AND ETHNOGRAPHY
THE CONTEMPORARY NATION STATE
THE DYNAMICS OF GLOBALISATION
THE USE OF CULTURE: KNOWLEDGE, POWER AND DIFFERENCE
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : An advanced knowledge of the intellectual foundations of criminological debate
A10 : In depth knowledge of a chosen field through independent original research
A2 : A systematic awareness of the latest theoretical developments in criminology
A3 : An ability to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in criminology
A4 : An advanced comprehension of the principles of research design and strategy, such as the formulation of research problems and appreciation of alternative approaches to research
A5 : A critical understanding of the relationships between criminological theory and empirical research
A6 : An understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative methods and skills
A7 : An appreciation of the centrality of research questions to criminological enquiry
A8 : A practical understanding of how to address the ethical and political dimensions of research
A9 : A critical understanding of the significance of competing epistemological and ontological positions for sociological research
Teaching Methods
The course provides two foundation modules in criminological theory and a foundation module in sociological research design, which is supplemented by additional specialised methods training to focus on key issues in criminological research. In addition, students choose from a range of options in Sociology and other departments to pursue their own specific interests in the field in following three further modules or four half options. The MA Course Director liaises with students before the course begins to advise on possible pathways. The Department uses lectures to present material, ideas, data and arguments, in a clear and structured manner using examples, mapping the field and the contours of debates. Lectures are also used to stimulate students interest in learning the methods for criminological analysis. In each module the issues, arguments and methods are covered in lectures are explored further through classes, seminars and workshops for which students have to prepare through either hands on practice or assignments. The course is designed to involve clear connection between the foundational theories and principles in the modules and the specific criminological research methods training held in five supplementary specialised seminars. For instance, tensions between naturalistic inquiry and concerns over ethical principles affecting research in the human sciences are explored to reflect upon the researchers role with regard to witnessing criminal activity, rule breaking and wrong doing. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on developing students theoretical understanding of criminological work through the structuring of the material in SC555 and SC655, which provide an advanced understanding of the intellectual foundations of the discipline with a systematic awareness of the latest thinking in criminology. Classes and seminars provide the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the content of the modules. In addition student learning takes place through the work they do preparing essays and assignments.
Assessment Methods
Outcomes A1 to A9 are assessed through coursework, which includes oral presentations and practical skills based assignments (SC905), as well as essays. In addition, the assessed work for all MA students includes a dissertation, which specifically assesses A10.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : An advanced ability to search, summarise and critically review criminological literature
B2 : A critical ability to comparatively review competing theories and explanations
B3 : An ability to construct an original criminological argument
B4 : An advanced ability to formulate researchable questions
B5 : An ability to creatively evaluate, analyse and interpret empirical evidence
Teaching Methods
Students enhance the above intellectual skills primarily through the work they do for their modules, although lectures and classes provide a means of teachers demonstrating these skills through example. Preparation for classes involves the reading, interpretation and evaluation of sociological texts and the collection and analysis of empirical data to hone methodological skills. Class tutors provide feedback on all student work through comment and discussion. In addition, tutors also engage students outside the classroom during office hours, appointments, and by email. Similarly the preparation of essays and other assignments also develops the listed intellectual skills. Students are provided with feedback on all assessed work and this is crucial to their intellectual development. Their dissertations are used to demonstrate self direction and originality in tackling and solving research problems, whilst also acting to advance their capacity for self-directed knowledge and understanding. Additionally, MA students, along with PhD students and staff, are encouraged to attend the two-day annual residential Graduate Conference, which is held in February off-campus. Addressing a different topical theme each year, it provides a stimulating forum for intellectual debate and discussion.
Assessment Methods
Outcomes B1, B2 and B3 are judged and evaluated by essays in SC555 and SC655, B1 and B4 are assessed through both practical skills based assignments (in SC905) and essays. All five outcomes will be assessed once more in the MA dissertation. Demonstration of advanced intellectual skills is a key criterion in awarding distinctions for essays and dissertations.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : An advanced ability to retrieve relevant socioloical literature using library and online searches
C2 : A practical ability to summarise, evaluate and review criminological arguments, texts and findings
C3 : A practical ability to summarise, evaluate and review sociological arguments, sociological texts and sociological findings
C4 : A comprehensive understanding of the principles of research design, and an understanding of the merits of different methods
C5 : An ability to choose and apply an appropriate method of research
C6 : A capacity for self-direction and originality in the planning and conduct of a piece of research
C7 : An ability to make judgements about the best use of time and data in meeting their research objectives
C8 : An ability to plan, conduct and present a medium scale piece of research
Teaching Methods
In SC905 students learn to conduct literature searches and reviews and to work on various aspects of the sociological process, typically found in a research proposal. Throughout the degree practical skills are developed through preparation for classes, preparing essays and other assessed assignments, and giving presentations. Students receive detailed feedback on all their coursework and presentations. In addition the dissertation is particularly valuable in developing students practical sociological skills.Students who have a particular interest in extending or deepening their practical sociological skills may do so by choosing from a range of further methods modules (such as SC504, SC523, SC520, SC620) when deciding on their optional modules.
Assessment Methods
Skill C1 and C3 are specifically assessed in assignments for SC905, but also forms part of the assessment of almost every piece of assessed module essays. C2 is specifically addressed in assignments for SC555 and SC655. While all the modules assess an understanding of C3 through C7, the full range of these skills is assessed in the marking of the MA dissertation.
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : An advanced ability in presenting ideas and evidence to others orally, in a clear and concise manner and an advanced ability to present ideas and evidence to others in writing, in a clear and concise manner
D2 : An ability to collect and present materials using information technology
D4 : A good self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
D6 : An essential understanding of how to plan, set appropriate time schedules and assess the feasibility of projects; a keen awareness of the need to reflect on their own work and to respond constructively to the comments of others
Teaching Methods
Key skills are taught and learned throughout the course through a range of strategies, such as requiring students to give oral presentations, through giving them specific assignments such as carrying bibliographic and web searches, through specific writing assignments and essays, and through class discussion and class and essay preparation. Issues of dissemination are discussed in SC905. Students learn to manage their own research projects through the support and advice of supervisors. They are given feedback on all their coursework and on their dissertation research and are encouraged to reflect on their own work and improve on it. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in working in groups through their participation in the classes for every module.
Assessment Methods
Key skills are assessed throughout the degree through continuous assessed coursework. Oral communication skills (D1) and IT skills (D3) are specifically assessed on SC905, and written skills (D2) and constructive response (D6) by most by coursework and the dissertation. The MA dissertation is an overall assessment of communication, research management, and problem solving skills.
