Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2016 - 2017

Module Title	Crime and the Media
Module Code	CM261
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Mark O'Brien	Office Number	C145F
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module introduces students to the sociological analysis of crime and its representation in the media. It examines and evaluates key sociological perspectives that offer different explanations for the existence of crime. It also examines the process by which laws are created and who benefits or suffers from the law making process. It examines the portrayal of crime by the media and asks whether such representations are a true or distorted reflection of social reality and it also examines what effects, if any, these representations have on public opinion. It also examines key institutions involved in the judicial system focusing particularly on the Prison Service.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and articulate the causes and consequences of crime in society.
2. Identify and articulate the links between social class, types of crimes and the law making process.
3. Review, appraise and interpret crime statistics and literature relating to specific crimes.
4. Review, appraise and interpret the ways in which crime is differentially dealt with by society.
5. Evaluate the manner in which the media report and comment on crime and justice issues and the possible effects of such reportage on public opinion.
6. Identify and articulate the use of crime as a means of political communication.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	No Description
Independent Study	103	Reading & Research
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Week 1 Defining & Measuring Crime

Week 2 Crime in Ireland

Week 3 Blue Collar Crime

Week 4 White Collar Crime

Week 5 Moral Entrepreneurs

Week 6 Drugs and Crime

Week 7 Reading Week

Week 8 Crime Reporting

Week 9 Crime Reporters & Sources

Week 10 Crime Reporting & Public Opinion

Week 11 Reporting Trials & Public Opinion

Week 12 Prisons and Punishment

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Kilcommins, S. et al., (eds): 2004, Crime, Punishment and the Search for Order in Ireland, IPA, Dublin,
O Mahony, P. (ed): 2002, Criminal Justice in Ireland, IPA, Dublin,
O Mahony, P.: 1996, Criminal Chaos: Seven Crises in Irish Criminal Justice, Round Hall, Dublin,
McCullagh, C.: 1996, Crime in Ireland: A Sociological Introduction, CUP, Cork,
Jones, S.: 1998, Criminology, Butterworths, London,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
CCS	BA in Contemporary Culture and Society
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)

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