This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module provides an introduction to the study of women's relationships with the criminal justice system. The subject is analysed in both its historical and contemporary contexts and there will be a strong emphasis on theoretical understanding of gender, on feminist theory and on inter-disciplinary approaches. Amongst the topics under consideration are: feminist criminology; media representations of women; crime and justice; women offenders and the criminalisation of women; female victims of crime; women in penal institutions; women as prosecutors; and women in criminal justice employment. .
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Criminal Justice & Criminology BA
Social Sciences BSc (including pathways)
Main assessment methods
Essay - 50%
Examination – 50%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Silvestri, M. & Crowther-Dowey, C. (2016) Gender and Crime: A Human Rights Approach (Sage)
Annison, J. and Braysford, J. (2015) Women and Criminal Justice: From the Corston Report to Transforming Rehabilitation (Policy Press)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Critically evaluate issues relating to women and their role in the criminal justice system (CJS) in England and Wales and the salience of
gender in attitudes towards and policies for crime, deviance, offending and victimisation.
8.2 Critically assess theories of traditional criminology in relation to women.
8.3 Critically assess alternative feminist perspectives in criminology.
8.4 Critically evaluate feminist research methods and studies in criminology
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Review, consolidate and apply knowledge through written and verbal communication explaining and summarising empirical information
and research findings.
9.2 Successfully apply critical judgement to problems and debates.
9.3 Devise and/or explain theoretical arguments and evidence and present them to specialist and/or non-specialist audiences.
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