LWMRCY-Research in Criminology

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Module can only be taken with permission of the Programme Director for M Res (Law and Society) and Module Convenor. Permission with ordinarily only be granted to M Res or MA Res students.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LW3CRY Criminology
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Aleardo Zanghellini
Email: a.zanghellini@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Critical analysis of the nature of crime as a social phenomenon, theoretical explanations of criminal behaviour, and official responses to crime through a major research project.

Aims:
This module aims to develop and enhance students’ knowledge of the substance and methods of criminology. It allows to take a particular focus on an area of criminology which is of interest to them and to develop, at an advanced level, their ability to analyse and critically evaluate the law and issues in the field using methods appropriate to the field

Assessable learning outcomes:

After completing the module, students will:

• be able to analyse and critically evaluate a range of legal and non-legal materials that are relevant to their selected area of criminal justice;


• be able to identify and apply appropriate research methods to their selected area of criminal justice;


• be able to synthesise wide-ranging material and to articulate arguments effectively and clearly in writing an assessed essay;


• develop their knowledge and understanding of an area of criminal justice in which they are interested.

Additional outcomes:
This module will also encourage the development of independent learning, as well as communication skills and personal responsibility.

Outline content:
Students will research and write a major essay on a topic to be agreed with the module convenor

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching and learning is primarily in the form of an agreed programme of lectures and/or seminars, regular supervision, and is informed by students’ participation in the compulsory modules for the M Res programme.
Contact hours: The programme of classes will be agreed with the Programme Director and Module Convenor. Students will be required to attend a minimum of 10 hours and a maximum of 20 hours of classes but may attend more if they wish. The programme of lectures and/or seminars will be drawn on those offered as part of the module LW3CRY Criminology.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	25	5
Project Supervision	1	1
Guided independent study:	84	84
Total hours by term	110	90
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
1 assessed essay of 15 pages (formatted in accordance with the School of Law's Assessed work rules).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
See School of Law PGT Programme Handbook

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 20 September 2023