Urban studies are often eclectic, bringing together a range of scholars from a wide range of disciplines who are interested in understanding some of the key social issues facing those who live and work in urban spaces. This module will seek to bring together some of these debates, focusing on a number of areas that are of interest to social science students, introducing them to key theories related the social construction of the urban, and thinking critically about crime and deviance specifically. The module provides a critical discussion on urban theory (including key thinkers from geography, sociology, and criminology), and an exploration of the ways in which crime and deviance feature in historical and contemporary renderings of the city. As part of this, the module also explores methodological innovations in studying cities, and will ask students to engage with visual methods in order to document a small-scale piece of research on urban life.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 178
Total study hours: 200
Optional module for
MA in Criminology
MA Methods of Social Research
Main assessment methods
Coursework – critical reflection diary (five 1000 word diary submissions- 5000 words total) – 50%
Coursework – photographic documentary presentation – 40%
Coursework – seminar participation – 10%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Amin, A and Thrift, N (2002) Cities, Reimagining the Urban, Cambridge, Polity
Crampton, J. and Elden, S. (eds) (2007) Space, Knowledge and Power: Foucault and Geography. Aldershot: Ashgate
Heng, T. (2017). Visual Methods in the Field: Photography for the Social Sciences. London: Routledge.
Massey, D. (2005) For Space, London: Sage
Peck, J. (2003) 'Geography and Public Policy: Mapping the Penal State', Progress in Human Geography, 27(2), 222-232
Smith, D.M. (1994) Geography and Social Justice. Oxford: Blackwell
Wacquant, L. (2001) 'Deadly Symbiosis: When Ghetto and Prison Meet and Mesh', Punishment & Society, 3(1), 95-133
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Critically evaluate and reflexively deploy a range of approaches to understanding urban theory
8.2 Identify and critically appraise the complex relationship between urban space, crime and deviance through methodological innovations, in
particular visual methods
8.3 Demonstrate at advanced level the ability to critically analyse and engage with research that examines the ways in which crime and
deviance are intertwined with cultural meanings and representations of the city.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate highly developed skills in presentation and debate, both verbal and written, and in the utilisation of research and cultural
analysis
9.2 Acquire advanced research skills through library investigation, critical writing and presentation skills
9.3 Demonstrate a heightened ability to critically engage with and participate in debates within urban theory (including criminological and
sociological theory).
9.4 Be able to synthesise and evaluate items of knowledge from different disciplines areas related to the study of urban spaces.
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