Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Current Topics in Crime
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: SSC11111
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:

Current issues, debates, challenges and subjects in applied criminology and forensic psychology could include for example: narcissism; managerialism and criminal justice; victims rights and protection; stop and search policies; offender profiling; privatisation of prisons; domestic violence; globalisation, terrorism and human rights; recent developments in youth justice; recent developments in restorative justice theories and practices; green criminology; suicide; power dynamics in criminal justice; crimmigration; identity fraud; lie detection; personality and crime; biological approaches in psychology. Where relevant, topics will be underpinned by explanations of offending behaviour and victimisation. The module content will flexibly adhere to the different policy/practical developments at a national and international level.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Conceptualise and critically appraise the main, current issues, debates, challenges and controversies in applied criminology and forensic psychology.

LO2: Develop advanced abilities to recognize, formulate and elaborate specific research and policy related questions in the field.

LO3: Generate ideas about key controversies in the field, also engaging in critical dialogue with experts.

LO4: Critically engage with a wide range of research methodologies and theoretical frameworks in applied criminology and forensic psychology.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, Blended, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
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 Seminar 20 Our weekly seminars will be guest lecturer-facilitated (a couple online when external lecturers) and will allow you to explore different topics in criminology and forensic psychology to consolidate your knowledge and understanding of these fundamental topics. The seminars will be interactive: to enable that, you are expected to come prepared having engaged with the lecture material and associated essential readings. The module leader and lecturer will be there to support you during the trimester
Online Guided independent study 180 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
Essay 60 1~2~3~4 Week 7 , WORDS= 2500 words The essays should be on one of the topics covered so far on the module (weeks 2-6) either criminology or forensic psychology. You will have to come up with your own essay title (guidance will be given by the module leader and you will have opportunities to discuss your chosen topic with them prior to starting).
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~3~4 Week 13 HOURS= 15 min +/- 10% You will have to submit a pre-recorded oral presentation, ie by recording yourself speaking over a PowerPoint presentation, on a topic of your choice but which has been covered in class. The topic should be different from your essay i.e. if your essay was on criminology your presentation should be on forensic psychology or vice versa. Guidance will be offered by the module leader.
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
SSC11111 Current Topics in Crime
 

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