PY0532 - A Psychological Focus on Crime

On this module you will learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials, along with independent study.

You will attend a series of two-hour lectures to learn about the main areas in which psychology has been applied to the study of offending behaviour. These lectures will provide the basic framework for syllabus topics. There will be additional lectures which will comprise of the presentation of supplementary video material, guest lectures on specialist topics relating to the module content and interactive sessions during which you will be engaged in activities such as quizzes and discussions to enhance your learning. The aim of the lectures is to consolidate information learnt through independent reading and to encourage critical evaluation of the area. You will have the opportunity to engage in group discussion, enabling you to communicate your ideas and findings in a group setting, showing sensitivity to the perspectives of others. There will also be a lecture on potential careers related to the psychology of crime.

Directed study will be encouraged through the provision of reading lists, which will serve as a basis for further, independent study. This will be further encouraged through the provision of study questions and topics. Independent learning skills and reflection on the role and value of those skills will prepare you for career development learning.

Together, the learning strategies of lectures, tutorials, directed and independent study aim to develop conceptual knowledge of the topic area and illustrate the range of paradigms and methods that can be used to investigate it. Tutorials will provide an opportunity for you to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

The module tutor will support you by making a variety of resources linked to the taught elements and assessments available on the e-learning portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, handouts, reading lists, mock exam questions) along with links to websites to encourage further exploration of the psychology of criminal behaviour. A discussion board on the e-learning portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers, this enhances collegiality. The module tutor will also engage in discussion on the e-portal where appropriate, which also means that support is available to all students. Technology enabled learning will be implemented through the use of Panopto recordings and electronic submission and feedback tools..
Tutorials can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
MK1: You will demonstrate conceptual knowledge of key topics in the psychological study of offending behaviour
MK2: You will develop a critical understanding of the major issues and topics of debate in the psychological study of offending behaviour
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Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MIP1: You will develop your skills in analysing different theoretical frameworks. It is important for employability to be able to critically evaluate approaches, based on the best available evidence and research.
MIP2: You will take charge of your own career development learning, through critical self-evaluation and reflection on the relevance of the module for career enhancement and future learning.

Personal Values Attributes:
MPV1: You will also develop and reinforce the ethical characteristics of a Northumbria graduate as you consider the values that underpin practice when working with offenders

Formative Assessment
Formative assessment will take the form of in-class quizzes and discussions, focussing on topics covered in the lectures

Summative Assessment
There will be two assessments for this module.

The first assessment (90%) will be 3000 word essay on a specific topic covered on the module, from choice of 3 topics offender. (MK1; MK2; MIP1; MPV1)

The second assessment is a self-reflective account in which you will be asked to consider how this module has impacted on your employability and future career (MIP2). This will be worth 10% of the module mark (500 words)

Feedback
Immediate feedback for formative in-class quizzes will be provided. Oral feedback for formative discussions will be provided
For the summative assessments, feedback will be provided on the electronic submission in the form of a level-specific rubric. Additional written comments will be provided that identify a minimum of one strength, one weakness and one area for improvement.

You will be required to arrange a tutorial with your personal guidance tutor for formal feedback on your assessed work.

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On this module you will examine the different psychological correlates of crime, as well as specific focuses on psychopathic offenders, the psychology of stalking and violent offenders. You will learn the application of psychological research and theory to the context of offending behaviour. Through the course of the module, you will explore how cognitive, social and other psychological processes help to shape offending behaviour and what interventions or management techniques have been used to reduce recidivism. You will also consider some of the ethical considerations involved in the treatment of offenders. A combination of lectures, in-class activities and tutorials, along with independent study, will form the basis of the main material that will be assessed at the end of the module. The module is assessed in two parts; 1) A reflective passage which evaluates the skills you have gained through the module and how these may be applied to your degree pathway and wider career. 2) A 3000 word essay on a topic chosen from the module syllabus.
Your learning will be supported by a variety of e-learning resources, as well as in-class quizzes and discussions.