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

Requisites: Pre-requisite: 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 AND Pre-requisite: [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: Critically reflect on the aims of and justifications for punishment.

LO2: Assess theoretical concepts related to power in the context of punishment, policing and penal policy and practice.

LO3: Evaluate the relationship between social, cultural, political and economic harms and penal policy.

LO4: Critically reflect on the effectiveness and implications of a range of punishments.

LO5: Assess the concepts of rehabilitation and desistance in relation to forms of punishment and other policing agencies.

LO6: Critically assess key literature in the area of punishment and social harms, including the role of the police, making links between theory, research, policy and practice.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Katrina Morrison
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Weekly lectures will be in person on campus, though they will also be recorded for those who wish to access a recording afterwards. Lecture slides will be available via the VLE prior to each week's lecture. The lecture recording will include subtitles/close-captioning. Lectures will be provided by the lecturer and each topic will examine a subject in depth. You will be expected to engage with the lecture material and to engage, where appropriate.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 A weekly tutorial will focus on group work and discussion to allow a deeper understanding of the week's topic to occur. Tutorials will also play a vital role in your formative assessment. Tutorials are intended to support everyone to learn from each other fostering an assessment for learning approach.
Online Guided independent study 170 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to structure in time to reflect upon the learning you have undertaken in your scheduled sessions, to complete your essential reading, and to prepare for, and undertake your assessment preparations. 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 Assessment 100 1~2~3~4~5~6 Exam Period HOURS= 3000words+15min The Penology assessment comprises a 3,000-word portfolio and a 15-minute individual oral dialogue. The portfolio requires you to analyse four contrasting modes, sites or responses to harm, using contemporary evidence, academic research and penal theory. It should also include a discussion showing how the four topics relate to one another and what they collectively reveal about punishment, together with a critical reflection on your learning. The written portfolio is not separately marked - instead, it provides the basis for the oral dialogue. During the dialogue, you will be assessed on your ability to explain and defend your theoretical choices, connect material across the module, evaluate evidence and competing interpretations, apply penal theory to an unfamiliar example, and reflect critically on your developing understanding. The final grade will therefore be determined by the quality of your demonstrated knowledge, critical analysis, synthesis, theoretical application and reflective judgement during the oral dialogue, though feedback will also be provided on the written report.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC09120 Penology
 

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