PSYCHOLOGY OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR - 2021/2
Module code: SOC2074
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2020/21.
These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2020/21. Detailed information on all changes is available at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/coronavirus/course-changes. This webpage sets out information relating to general University changes, and will also direct you to consider additional specific information relating to your chosen programme.
Prior to registering online, you must read this general information and all relevant additional programme specific information. By completing online registration, you acknowledge that you have read such content, and accept all such changes.
Module Overview
This module considers the psychological and physiological factors relevant to understanding of criminality. This module introduces you to psychological theories of criminal behaviour, the contexts within which criminal behaviour occurs and the means for managing and evaluating interventions designed to reduce crime and re-offending
Module provider
Sociology
Module Leader
HUBBARD Katherine (Sociology)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 5
JACs code: C816
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
Indicative content includes:
- Psychological theories of criminal behaviour.
- Biological theories of criminal behaviour.
- Homicide and assault.
- Sexual offences.
- Juvenile offending.
- Mentally disordered offenders.
- The psychopath.
- Aggression and violence.
- The treatment of criminal behaviour.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 2000 WORD ESSAY | 50 |
| Examination | 1 HOUR EXAM | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of the psychological approaches to criminality, how learning and psycho-biological factors may influence criminal behaviour and the theoretical and practical approaches
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- 1 hour exam
- 2000 word essay
Formative assessment and feedback
Verbal feedback in tutorials and feedback on essays to inform exam preparation
Module aims
- Examine how psychological theory and research has contributed to the study of crime and criminal behaviour.
- Introduce students to biological theories of criminal behaviour
- Explore the treatment of criminal behaviour
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | An understanding of the psychological approaches to criminality | KC |
| 2 | How learning and psycho-biological factors may influence criminal behaviour | KC |
| 3 | Theoretical and practical approaches to the treatment of criminal behaviour | KC |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Overall student workload
Independent Study Hours: 128
Lecture Hours: 11
Seminar Hours: 11
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to assist students in an understanding of the psychological approaches to criminality, how learning and psycho-biological factors may influence criminal behaviour and the theoretical and practical approaches to the treatment of criminal behaviour
The learning and teaching methods include:
· Lectures, seminars, class discussion
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
Reading list for PSYCHOLOGY OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR : http://aspire.surrey.ac.uk/modules/soc2074
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Criminology and Sociology BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.