Foundations in Criminological Theory

Kingston University

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Foundations in Criminological Theory

  • Host University

    Kingston University

  • Location

    London, England

  • Area of Study

    Criminology

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Lower

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • Credits

    4
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    4
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    0
  • Overview

    Course Content:

    Students will gain a broad understanding of the development of theories in criminology
    on the aetiology of crime and be able to make connections between theories of crime
    and crime control policies. The criminological theories will be contextualised within their
    social, historical and disciplinary knowledge-base and evaluated in relation to their
    empirical evidence, popularity and application.

    Topics covered include:
    ? What is theory
    ? Evaluating criminological theories
    ? The social construction and prevalence of crime
    ? Sociological and Criminological Paradigms
    ? Individual and general deterrent theories on crime
    ? Biological theories
    ? Psychological theories
    ? Influential Sociological Thinkers
    ? Social theories

    Autumn Semester:
    ? Concept of ?Crime?- its construction and its prevalence.
    ? Understanding criminological theory and its relationship to sociological
    paradigms Decision to prosecute
    ? How to Evaluate Theory.
    ? Classical Crime: Deterrent Theories on Crime. Part 1 Rational Choice Theory
    ? Deterrent Theories on Crime Part 2 Routine Activity Theory and Situational Crime
    Prevention
    ? Right Realist Criminology
    ? Control Theories Part 1
    ? Control Theories Part 2
    ? Summary of theories

    Spring Semester:
    ? Biological Positivism Part 1: constitutional factors and genetics
    ? Positivism Part 2: Intelligence, mental disorder and crime
    ? Psychological Positivism Part 3: Personality Theories and Learning theories
    ? Social Theories Part 1: Influential Sociological Thinkers and Anomie and Strain
    ? Social Theories Part 2: Crime and the environment
    ? Cultural Criminology and Subcultures
    ? Interactionism and Labeling Theory
    ? Critical Criminology Marxism and Conflict Theories
    ? Feminist Criminology and some Masculinity.

    Teaching:
    Lectures and workshops (3 hours per week).

    Assessment:
    STUDY OPTION 1:
    ? A 2000 word critical essay (70%)
    ? A 1000 word critical review of a journal article (30%)
    STUDY OPTION 2: Portfolio
    STUDY OPTION 3: Portfolio

    Study Option 1 = Whole Year
    Study Option 2 = Autumn
    Study Option 3 = Spring/summer

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or pre-requisites.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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