Applying Criminological Theories

Can we explain why crimes are committed? Are people born criminal? Do they learn to act in criminal ways?

Do they choose to act in criminal ways? Do certain explanations of criminal behaviour fit certain crimes?

This module will provide students with an understanding of key criminological theories which can be used to understand crimes and positives and negatives of these.

It will then teach students about different crime types, and students will use real life case studies to apply these theories to crimes.

Learning and teaching

The course is taught through a mix of lectures and small group sessions.

On successful completion of the module you will be able to:

• Understand different criminological theories which attempt to explain crime
• Evaluate different criminological theories which attempt to explain crime – what they can explain and what they struggle to explain
• Apply relevant criminological theories to different crimes and crime types in an attempt to explain them

Coursework and assessment

The assessment for the module will consist of an essay.

Reading suggestions

Core Text - Newburn, T 2017 Criminology London: Routledge

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.