SP30370: Drugs, crime and society
[Page last updated: 26 October 2023]
| Academic Year: | 2023/24 |
| Owning Department/School: | Department of Social & Policy Sciences |
| Credits: | 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] |
| Notional Study Hours: | 120 |
| Level: | Honours (FHEQ level 6) |
| Period: |
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| Assessment Summary: | CWOG 75%, CWRI 25% |
| Assessment Detail: |
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| Supplementary Assessment: |
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| Requisites: | |
| Learning Outcomes: |
Demonstrate a broad interdisciplinary understanding.
Identify, analyse and critically evaluate relevant theories and empirical research and apply them to current debates and developments in policy, politics and practice.
Identify and analyse contemporary patterns in drug use and drug-related problems drawing on a range of sociological concepts and other disciplinary perspectives.
Explain the complexities of defining and solving drug-related problems and how they overlap with other social problems.
Critically analyse the features of contemporary drug policy, including the discrepancies between policy 'on the books' and in practice, and the arguments for reform. |
| Synopsis: | This unit critically explores the intersections of drugs, crime and society. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, it draws on criminological, sociological, historical and legal perspectives to consider a range of domestic and international features that make up the contemporary drugs field. Students will explore a wide range of drug-related issues and debates, engage with key academic and policy literature, critically analyse the laws, policies and agencies of drug control, and situate them within appropriate social, economic, political, historical and philosophical contexts. Doing so will provide them with a critically orientated, theoretically informed knowledge base and the analytic tools to promote evidence-based drug policy. |
| Aims: | This unit aims to:
1. Provide a critical overview of the drugs field from a social science perspective, focusing on the intersections between drugs, crime and society
2. Engage in a critical analysis of trends in drug use, the construction of drug related problems and the role of criminal justice responses
3. Adopt an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon sociological, criminological, legal and historical perspectives, to explore, explain and critique contemporary drug policy
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| Skills: | The unit will foster the following intellectual skills:
* The ability to draw on and synthesise evidence from a range of sources * The ability to assess the merits and appropriateness of different explanations regarding drugs, crime and society * The ability to develop a reasoned argument and exercise critical judgement The unit will foster the following professional/practical skills: * The ability to critically reflect on different theoretical/methodological approaches within the drugs field * Written and oral communication skills * The ability to design and deliver a group presentation * The ability to reflect on the development and delivery of a case study The unit will foster the following transferable/key skills: * The ability to develop and present a well-structured, coherent case study. * The ability to marshal evidence and theory to support or challenge an argument in such a way as to demonstrate a critical awareness of the origin and bases of knowledge * The ability to apply key concepts in criminology and cognate disciplines to a range of problems associated with drugs * The ability to work and communicate as individuals, as well as in a team * Skills in information technology * Critical and analytical skills * Presentation skills and verbal communication (i.e. oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contributions). * The ability to work independently and as part of a group |
| Content: | Topics covered on the unit will include:
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| Course availability: |
SP30370 is Optional on the following courses:Department of Social & Policy Sciences
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Notes:
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