Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Crime and the Media
Module Code	CM261
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
Module Teacher	Mark O'Brien
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.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	22	No Description
Independent learning	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	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
In Class Test	Two quizes worth 5% each.	10%	As required
Performance evaluation	Attendance	10%	Every Week

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
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Kilcommins, S. et al., (eds): 2004, Crime, Punishment and the Search for Order in Ireland, IPA, Dublin,
OMahony, P. (ed): 2002, Criminal Justice in Ireland, IPA, Dublin,
OMahony, 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

Array

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