Advanced Environmental Criminology module (GE41008)

In this module you will be introduced to the main theoretical concepts in the field of criminological research. You will think critically about these. especially the social and political contexts in which they were formed. This may involve challenging some of your own preconceptions about the causes and solutions to crime.

In the second half of the module, you will explore the various ways that criminology reduces instances of crime and the risk of crime. You will explore this in both urban and natural environments. You will put this into practice yourself with a field visit. You will also have the opportunity to hear from practitioners who use these theories in their daily work.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about and critique a variety of theories and research approaches affiliated with environmental criminology
• evaluate research into environmental criminology and its application in urban and natural environments

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• appreciate the different components of environmental criminology and how they developed in particular social and political contexts
• apply criminology theory and research to the movement of people. This will apply to people such as victims and offenders
• apply criminology theory and research to the spatial and geographic components of policing and surveillance
• apply criminology theory and research to issues of wildlife and environmental crime
• appreciate of the value of, and ability to use, different kinds of evidence for understanding complex social issues
• work effectively in small groups and independently

Assignments / assessment

• 2,500-word essay (50%)
• field visit report (25%)
• magazine article (25%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• Two hours of lectures per week
• Three workshops of three hours each
• One field trip