Sociology and Criminology
Punishment and Penology
Module code: L3114
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay
On this module, you’ll critically examine the theory and practice of punishment. You’ll focus on England and Wales in comparison to countries in Europe, North America and Australasia.
You’ll explore different theories on the justifications and reasons behind punishment. You’ll then consider a variety of modern and historical real-world examples.
- justifications for punishment
- different penologies
- contemporary imprisonment
- women in prison
- immigration detention centres
- alternatives to imprisonment
- radical critiques, such as abolitionism.
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of theories of punishment.
- Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of empirical studies of punishment.
- Apply theoretical arguments and penological concepts to empirical examples.
- Assimilate and evaluate evidence from criminological studies of punishment.