Introduction to criminology

What you will study

Criminology is closely allied to other social sciences subject areas such as sociology, social policy, political science, geography, psychology and history as well as law, criminal justice and police studies. This module brings together a variety of approaches and understandings from many of these disciplines to develop what is termed as the criminological imagination. You'll explore the different definitions, understandings and ways of thinking about crime and justice in society and develop your own critically informed approach that questions the role and effectiveness of criminal justice in contemporary society.

This module is organised into four main blocks of study. The first block gives you an overview of the module and helps you to think about different ways of approaching the definition of 'crime'. Through high profile case examples, you'll explore in detail the importance of considering the 'power to define' when it comes to how society sees perpetrators and victims of 'crime'.

In Block 2 you'll look at how power, influence and social standing impact on how we decide if and when avoidable and premature deaths should be defined as a murder. You'll be asked to consider the backgrounds of both the victims and perpetrators, and consider why, when the actions of states result in many avoidable deaths, people only rarely use the language of crime to define such deaths.

Block 3 introduces you to some of the key foundations of the criminal justice system: the law, the police, the courts, prisons and resettlement services. However, rather than seeing them as static or neutral you will explore how the criminal justice system is dynamic and contested. This will allow you to start questioning whether the criminal justice system is able to deliver 'justice' for all.

The final block invites you to look again at many of the ideas and examples you have considered over the previous three blocks. Practical examples are provided to allow you to explore more deeply how the concepts of crime, power and the state influence understandings of crime and justice and how they can be 'deconstructed'. You'll also be encouraged to use your criminological imagination to reimagine complex crime and justice problems and their potential solutions.

Vocational relevance

This module is relevant to a wide range of jobs in the public, voluntary, community and commercial sectors. The module content is directly relevant to a variety of jobs in public administration, social welfare services, criminal justice services, community support services among others. The key skills you will develop are relevant to any job context. Among these 'transferable' skills are the ability to:

• identify, gather and assess evidence
• present reasoned and coherent arguments
• write clearly for academic and non-academic audiences
• apply learning to non-module provided examples and situations
• plan and reflect on your own work and learning.

Entry

This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to modules at OU level 2.

This module is available for standalone study and is an ideal starting point if you are considering going on to study one of our qualifications. Its integrated teaching of key study and skills will give you a firm foundation for further study.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.

Preparatory work

There is no requirement for you to undertake any specific preparatory work prior to starting this module. Our short criminology taster module An introduction to crime and criminology will give you a clearer idea of the content and focus of this module. It will help familiarise yourself with navigating the OU Criminology website.

You may benefit from reading the recent books of the investigative journalist Naomi Klein, who writes for a general audience and covers themes, such as social justice, environmental harms, the harms of brands and advertising, and social and economic inequalities, covered in this module.

You will also find very helpful short overviews of criminological ideas, such as those provided in The Sage Dictionary of Criminology (most recent edition is 2019, edited by Eugene McLaughlin and John Muncie, published by SAGE).

Study materials

What's included

You'll be provided with two printed module books, each covering two blocks of study and have access to a module website, which includes:

• a week-by-week study planner
• module materials
• audio and video content
• assessment guide
• online tutorials and forums.

Computing requirements

You'll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Monterey or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It's not available on Kindle.

It's also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you'll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.