Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Criminological Theory
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC08106
Module leader: Estelle Zinsstag
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

Major criminological perspectives - Beccaria, Bentham and Classicism; Lombroso and early Individual Positivism; Merton and traditional structural theories; The Chicago School and the mixing of research methods; The Mertonian tradition and American subcultural theory; Radical and Marxist criminology; The British Subcultural theories; Psychology and the individual; Crime and the Right; The Left Realist critique; Late and Post Modern criminologies; Cultural criminology and the neglect of background factors.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Discuss the main theoretical perspectives in criminology.

LO2: Explore the application of criminological theory to examples of crime and deviance.

LO3: Identify the links between theory, research and policy.

LO4: Compare definitions of crime, for whom it is a problem, and the roles of the media and statistical sources.

LO5: Appreciate the contested nature of the main theoretical positions of sociological and psychological criminology.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Estelle Zinsstag
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 22 The lectures will take place in person weekly for 2 hours and will give you the general overview of the topic which we will then discuss in more details in the tutorials.
Face To Face Tutorial 11 There will be a weekly hour long tutorial to go over the content in more details of the lectures and discuss and debate the topic of that specific week. In order to do that you will be expected to have done at least the essential readings as listed on Moodle.
Online Guided independent study 167 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to structure in time to reflect upon the learning you have undertaken in your scheduled sessions and to complete your essential reading. You are encouraged to read more widely around the topics you are studying and engage in Moodle activities and resources. You will need to ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare and plan for your assessment tasks.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~3~4~5 Week 7 HOURS= 10 minutes Your 10-minute pre-recorded presentation should present and discuss one of the topics covered in class, which will be of your choice (but I will provide some prompts and can discuss them with you if needed) in a reflective, critical manner, having consulted a minimum of 5 relevant academic sources which will enable you to discuss the concepts and theories and recognise the broader context of the debates, keeping in mind the learning outcomes set for the course as a focal point. Be critical, thoughtful, bring in examples from 'real' life which can illustrate your argument.
Essay 60 1~2~3~4~5 Week 13 , WORDS= 2500 words You will have to submit an essay on a Criminological Theory topic - you will be able to choose from a choice of 3 to 4 essay topics which I will provide and which will be posted on Moodle at the relevant time. You will choose one of the questions which will cover e.g. a theory or a comparison of theories and how they have evolved and/or impacted on policy or eg crime rates and answer using a minimum of 7 academic references. You will explain the theory and critically analyse it while also illustrating where relevant with examples from e.g current affairs/'real' life. You will here as well keep in mind the learning outcomes while developing your arguments.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC08106 Criminological Theory
 

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