The module will explore the many layers and meanings attributed to the notion of ‘violence’, examining the ways in which violence is socially constructed. The module will investigate the political and cultural forces that shape societal perceptions of and responses to violence and those individuals and social groups. Drawing on broader criminological theories the module will interrogate the academic and societal explanations proposed to understand incidence and rates of violence in contemporary societies. The module will be framed through introductory sessions that explore the conceptualisation, theories and measurement of violence. These themes will be explored in the remainder of the module through case studies that investigate violence at different societal levels and in contrasting contexts: Street Level Violence (Homicide; Gang Related Violence; Football Hooliganism); Gender Based Violence (Domestic Violence; Forced Marriage, Honour Based Killing); Corporate Violence (Health and Safety Deaths/Injuries); State Violence (Torture; Extrajudicial Killings); Political Violence (Far Right Extremism; Islamic fundamentalism); Structural Violence (Global Poverty).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of a range of theories that explain the production of violence in differing social contexts,
Identify the political and cultural forces that shape social understanding and contrasting attitudes towards different forms violence;
Evaluate policy to understand the relative strengths and weaknesses of these approaches to different forms of violence
Assessment
28752-01 : Assignment : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
3000 word essay for both main and reassessment (100%)