Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Penology
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC09120
Module leader: Katrina Morrison
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

To study this module you will need the learning equivalent to the module listed or have passed this module:
SSC08104 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System in the UK
Description of module content:

The influence of social, cultural, political and economic factors in shaping punishment in contemporary society is the source of much academic debate. This module will begin by exploring these issues as well as evaluating the moral and theoretical justifications for punishment such as retribution, deterrence and rehabilitation. This includes exploring the role of the wider policing family and other actors involved in policing and punishing offenders, for example private sector security agencies who enforce electronic tagging. The centrality of power in various forms of punishment and their distribution will be examined with reference to relevant theoretical frameworks. Lectures and tutorials will then focus on particular forms of punishment such as the policing of offenders, imprisonment, community penalties, immigration detention and deportation and restorative justice, with reference to their justifications, effectiveness and implications for offenders and the wider community. Throughout the consideration of these topics in this module links will be made between theory, research, policy and practice in both national and international contexts.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Understand and critically evaluate the aims of and justifications for punishment
LO2: Critically evaluate theoretical concepts related to power in the context of punishment, policing and penal policy and practice
LO3: Understand the relationship between social, cultural, political and economic issues and penal policy
LO4: Critically assess the effectiveness and implications of a range of punishments
LO5: Critically evaluate the concepts of rehabilitation and desistance in relation to forms of punishment and other policing agencies
LO6: Critically evaluate key literature in the area of punishment, including the role of the police, making links between theory, research, policy and practice.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2022/3, Trimester 2, FACE-TO-FACE, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Katrina Morrison
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
LO1-6 are covered through lectures and tutorials. These use a range of methods to encourage your participation, active learning and critical thinking (audio-visual; group discussions and debates; reflective learning; media). You will apply theoretical frameworks to debates on punishment and penal practices, using illustrative examples. You will access Moodle for information and resources.
The module will develop your understanding of the relevance of theoretical approaches to contemporary forms of punishment and penal practices. It will build independent study and research skills, critical analysis and evaluation, as well as familiarity with technology through the use of internet resources and Moodle.
Your research skills are developed via on-line and tutorial activities, and in the preparation for coursework assignments. Emerging research and policy/practice directions will be used to inform teaching, as well as lecturing staff’s own work in this area.
Key module resources are available on Moodle to cater for different learning approaches and circumstances. The materials are designed so as to facilitate flexible learning and to enable you to learn in a manner most appropriate to their individual needs.
The module will draw on research within the UK and internationally to form a comparative context around punishment.
Formative Assessment:
The module will include three opportunities for formative assessment:
1. One tutorial will provide formative assessment of your developing critical literature analysis skills. You will be required to select a journal article on the lecture topic for that particular week and bring this to class having completed a preliminary critical analysis of the source. You will then provide peer to peer feedback on their work in small groups, with input from the module leader.
2. One tutorial will provide formative assessment of your skills in structuring a literature review. In small groups they will be required to develop a literature review plan for the lecture topic for that particular week and share this with the class, receiving feedback from the lecturer and peers.
3. One tutorial will provide formative feedback on your essay plans. You will have an opportunity to bring in their essay plans for one-to-one verbal feedback from the module leader.
Summative Assessment:
This assessment will require you to undertake a 3000 word critical literature review, due in week 14. You will select from one of three broad topics when developing their literature review. The lecture materials and set readings will guide you here, but the assessment will also require individual research in order to identify and critically review further significant sources. You will critically evaluate these sources in relation to theoretical concepts learned in class.
Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 22
Face To Face Tutorial 11
Independent Learning Guided independent study 167
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Essay 100 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 14 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 3000
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader
 

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