Sociology and Criminology

The Politics of Criminalisation (Autumn)

Module code: L3124A
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar, Workshop
Assessment modes: Portfolio

On this module, you’ll cover the political dynamics of policy formation, as well as the use of legislation in law.

You’ll explore:

  • the times that criminalization is an appropriate response to undesirable behaviour
  • the process of policy formation and legislating
  • the role of victims, the media and other policy entrepreneurs (such as NGOs) in influencing government programmes and bringing about changes in the law
  • a number of case studies
  • the role of political ideology in taking some proposals forward and abandoning others.

Module learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the process of developing policy and legislation in the field of law and order
  • Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of theories of criminalisation and be able to apply these to empirical examples
  • Analyse the relationship between political ideology and law and order policy
  • Demonstrate the ability to independently select, define, research, and construct a case study through a critical engagement with appropriate sources