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Module Title |
Crime and the Media
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Module Code |
CM261
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School |
School of Communications
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Online Module Resources
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| Module Co-ordinator | Dr Mark O'Brien | Office Number | C145F |
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Level |
2
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Credit Rating |
5
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None
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Module Aims
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To introduce students to the sociological analysis of crime in modern society with particular reference to its media portrayal and the effects of these representations.
The module examines and evaluates:
1) a number of key sociological perspectives that offer different explanations for the existence of crime;
2) the portrayal of crime by the media and asks whether such representations are a true or distorted reflection of social reality;
3) institutions involved in law and order including the Garda Siochana, the Courts and the Prison Service.
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Learning Outcomes
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Students will have gained:
1) A sociologically grounded understanding of the causes of crime and how crime is differentially defined.
2) A critical understanding of the role of the media in shaping society and social norms.
3) A critical awareness of how crime is perceived and dealt with in society.
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Indicative Time Allowances
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Hours
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Lectures |
0
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Tutorials |
0
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Laboratories |
0
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Seminars |
0
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Independent Learning Time |
75
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Total |
75
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Placements |
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Assignments |
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NOTE
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Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.
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Indicative Syllabus
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Lecture 1: Defining and Measuring Crime
Lecture 2: Anomie and Suicide
Lecture 3: Social Strain, Sub-cultures and Crime
Lecture 4: White Collar Crime
Lecture 5: Drugs and Crime
Reading Week
Lecture 6: Explaining Crime in Ireland
Lecture 7: Crime Reporting and Public Opinion
Lecture 8: Realism and Zero Tolerance
Lecture 9: Policing Society
Lecture 10: The Court System and Tribunals of Inquiry
Lecture 11: Prisons and Punishment
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| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 100% | Examination Weight | 0% |
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Indicative Reading List
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Jones, S: Criminology. Butterworths, 1998.
McCullagh, C: Crime in Ireland: A Sociological Introduction. Cork University Press, 1996.
OMahony, P: Criminal Chaos: Seven Crises in Irish Criminal Justice. Round Hall, 1996.
OMahony, P: Criminal Justice in Ireland. Institute of Public Administration, 2002.
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Programme or List of Programmes
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| BSSA | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| BSSAO | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| CS | BA in Communication Studies |
| ECSA | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| ECSAO | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| HMSA | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| HMSAO | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| JR | BA in Journalism |
| SHSA | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SHSAO | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| Archives: | |
