Module

This OU level 1 module provides an ideal introduction to the social sciences –  social policy and criminology, geography and environment, politics and international studies, economics and sociology. You’ll explore a wide range of topics which shape the nature of contemporary UK society; from questions of identity, inequalities and differences to consumerism and environment, and issues of social order, disorder and governance. Using a blend of text, audio, video and online materials, you’ll be equipped with a range of skills for independent study and for your personal and working life.

This module is an ideal introduction to one of the key areas of social sciences as it offers you an informed understanding of how criminal law is applied and its connection to social order/disorder, as well as criminal justice. On a week-by-week basis, you are introduced to different case studies encouraging you to think critically about the relationship between state, power and crime and the factors influencing the definition, contestation and deconstruction of crime in modern societies.  Your studies are integrated with a range of skills that'll also provide a solid basis for progression to an OU level 2 module in this subject.

This module introduces you to the many ways criminologists seek to explain crime, victims of crime and the role of criminal justice. Through the use of engaging topics, each study week begins with examples of crimes or criminal justice problems that you may recognise from the news, other media outlets and popular culture. It will gently introduce you to different criminological concepts and theories and you'll actively engage and explore these through the use of virtual learning environment activities and written assessment. You'll become equipped with the skills needed to understand theories and concepts about crime, and will advance your understanding of everyday social issues that may influence crime and victims of crime.

This module is available from Oct. 2018.

You'll be introduced to criminological approaches used for critically thinking about crime, harm and justice. Through an examination of diverse constructions of crime, global harms and examples of resistance, it provides a framework for understanding the conception, interrogation and reception of criminological knowledge. Building on Principles of social and psychological inquiry (DD801), it enhances students' skills in critically reading the social world, understanding, analyzing and questioning national, transnational and global policies and in deconstructing media representations of crime and justice. The module will allow you to review, evaluate and assess criminological evidence and develop skills highly desirable in professional contexts within local and global organisations.

This module is available from Oct. 2018.