Curriculum Information

This module is unlike any other currently offered as part of the criminology range of modules at USW, in that it focuses, each week, upon a unique form of crime. The overall aim is to introduce students to the complexities of defining crime, to encourage them to challenge existing categories of crime and, ultimately, to understand crimes and their definitions, measurement, explanations and responses to them. Each week, this module focuses on the nature, extent, patterns, trends, explanation, responses to and contemporary debates about a different crime. Among the crime categories that will be examined are 'traditional' crimes which could include robbery, burglary, domestic violence, homicide and income tax evasion and benefit fraud through to more 'contemporary' crimes such as cyber-crime, eco-crime, scams and fakes and, finally, activities that are often not perceived as crimes, notably corporate crime, genocide and state crime, animal abuse, police corruption and institutional abuse. Of course some crimes persist but their precise nature changes“ for example, global terrorism is not a new phenomenon but how it is enacted has altered significantly with the passage of time. Similarly, given the rapid development of technology in the last twenty years, crimes can now be planned and perpetrated using, for example, computer and mobile telephones. Students will be encouraged to recognise new and emerging forms of crime and the challenges that they present in terms of explanation and responses.Crime, disorder, and justice are increasingly pressing concerns across the globe. Fear of crime and global threats have contributed to an increasing sense of insecurity; which are now companied by twenty-first century global concerns. This includes concerns relating to human trafficking, cyber-crime, digitally facilitated and enable crime, along with rights violations to name but a few. Therein, this module provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills relating to how modern challenges and working practices within the criminal justice sector.

The module content will focus on the following areas:

• Analyse the socio-economic, cultural, and political factors influencing crime at both local and global levels.

• Investigate the interconnected nature between local incidents and globalised criminal activities.

• Explore the characteristics of contemporary global threats, including human trafficking, cyber-crime, and digitally facilitated offences.

• Assess the impact of these emerging threats on individuals, communities, and international relations.

• Examine instances of human rights violations within the context of global crime and disorder.

• Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by justice systems in balancing crime control measures with the preservation of civil rights.

• Evaluate the efficacy of traditional and innovative crime control methods in addressing the evolving nature of criminal activities.

• Developing knowledge of understanding of the Digital technology framework.

• Understanding the prevalence of technology in modern society and how technology is used in everyday Crime and Justice.

• Introducing students to a range of technology enabled crime, examine topics such Cyber Crime, Fraud, Phishing, Counter Terrorism and Extremism.

• Examine and interpret fundamental principles, legislation and powers related to digital investigations.

• Examining how digital technology can capture best evidence.

• Examining the use and implementation of technology in Policing, e.g., ANPR Cameras, Body-Worn Video, CCTV, Drones, etc.