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Critically consider the nature of the problem, why it is of contemporary concern, to what extent it takes place, and how it is responded to (from a social, legal and/or regulatory perspective, as appropriate). You should also critically consider relevant theoretical explanations for the problem and/or the responses discussed. Your case study should critically compare these issues either: Across two countries, or Over time: contemporary concerns (now) with another period in time.
Title
Violent Extremism: Comparing the rise of terrorism in England and the USA.
Learning Outcome (1): Critically explore the prevalence, nature and possible explanations of criminological concerns and developments within a comparative context.
Meeting the Learning Outcome: Select a topic focus that is current and falls within the relevant list for that case study. Within the case study look at prevalence (how much), nature (type, how the issue manifests) and possible explanations (reasons why it might exist, including theoretical explanations).
Compare the problem across two time periods (now and another time, preferably a significant amount of time ago for it to be relevant) or across two countries (this is likely to be England & Wales compared with another country, but does not have to be – see the advice below).
Tips for Completion (note, these points may be dealt with a little differently depending on which case study you have chosen; further more specific advice will be offered as part of the assignment guidance sessions): The topic does not have to be hitting the headlines, but it must have currency. When looking at prevalence, use a wide range of sources and be critical of these. Is there a dark figure for this issue? Why is this? Are the available sources of good quality? Are they accurate? If we do not know much about the prevalence (extent) why is this? You should introduce a comparative element here (is the extent different in the two time periods/countries? Do they use different sources/data?)
When considering explanations, make reference to appropriate criminological theory (but do not spend too long explaining the theory generally; instead assume the reader is familiar with the theory so discuss it as it applies to the problem). Ensure you introduce criticality here – how valid are these explanations? Why do people think they might be correct (e.g. rational choice theory for trade in endangered species as it produces profit for little risk). You may introduce a comparative element here (are different explanations provided/favoured in the two time periods/countries?).
Learning Outcome (2): Critically discuss the effectiveness of social, political and criminal justice responses and proposed responses to criminological concerns and developments. Meeting the Learning Outcome: Consider, as appropriate for your chosen topic, the way society/the public react to the issue/approach, legislation that exists or is debated in response to it, regulations that exist, political debate on the issue and/or how the criminal justice system deals with the issue, or could deal with it. Think also about policy implications – how has practice been influenced by this issue/approach/development?
Tips for Completion: For social/public reaction you should consider how society views the issue (including the media). Is there evidence of moral panic? Or do the public not really care? You should include a comparative element here (was/is this different for the two times/countries). Does social reaction affect how we view the issue or how it manifests? For some topics this may be part of the nature of the issue. For legislation you should consider what laws have been passed or debated to deal with the issue. Does it exist because laws have been passed? Might there be more effective ways to control the problem (e.g. through public health policy as opposed to criminalisation)? Again be critical in considering the impact and effectiveness of legislation. You should include a comparative element here (were/are laws different in the two times/countries? Was/is the problem even criminalised? What effect does this have on how the problem is viewed and dealt with?) For regulatory responses you should consider the same issues as for legal responses, but discuss any non-criminal regulation that exists (e.g. certification schemes). Critically consider also political debate and policy that is relevant to the problem (introducing a comparative element). Finally taking the above issues together, how does the CJS respond to the issue (e.g. methods of enforcement)? Is this effective? Is this appropriate? What are the implications of this? Again, you should include a comparative element here (how did/does the CJS respond in the two time periods/countries). For information only – this document does not form part of the student contract Page 20 of 34 Depending on the topic chosen, the issues above may be weighted differently (e.g. there may be little to say about legislation, but lots about media/social reaction). Not all case studies will look/be weighted the same – just make sure it works for your topic and focus. Do not try to cover too many different responses at the expense of critical depth (but do show awareness and justify your focus).
Learning Outcome (3): Apply criminological concepts and theory to the critical analysis of contemporary crime problems.
Meeting the Learning Outcome: Make reference to appropriate theories, criminological concepts and debates throughout your discussion.
Tips for Completion: Ensure all your points are sourced and referenced. Provide appropriate evidence and data from authoritative sources. Chose an appropriate, current topic that you can situate within wider criminological (including criminal justice) debate. It is imperative that you consider possible theoretical explanations, why the issue is constructed as it is, the behaviour involved and/or reactions to it. Here is where you most clearly situate your case study within criminology. This is also where you have a good opportunity to exemplify your critical thinking skills, by applying things you have learnt about criminology elsewhere on the course to novel problems (e.g. applying rational choice theory as an explanation for trading in endangered species) or by applying novel approaches to age-old issues. You do not have to explain the theory/theories in great detail, just show you understand them and then apply this knowledge to the problem under discussion. Be critical as well, no theories are perfect. However, do not try to apply all the theories you have learned about. Rather, critically discuss those that seem the most appropriate.
Learning Outcome (4): Extrapolate findings from historical or international comparisons to relate to contemporary criminological concerns in England and Wales.
Meeting the Learning Outcome: Ensure you have picked a topic that is of criminological concern in England and Wales. For most topics you should carry out a comparison between E&W and another country (e.g. if looking at sex work you may compare E&W with Sweden or the Netherlands), but for some topics this may be harder to do (e.g. you may wish to compare Kenya and Thailand regarding illegal rhino trade: one being a range state, the other being a destination/trade state). You do not HAVE to compare with England and Wales but you MUST still (briefly) discuss why it is a matter that is of concern (interest) in this country (e.g. the UK is an important transit state for illegal wildlife trade and we have donated a lot of money and organised international conferences to support tackling this crime and/or it is For information only – this document does not form part of the student contract Page 21 of 34 a big issue for the public and media and loss of biodiversity effects everyone). If you do not address the E&W concern, then you will not meet learning outcome 4, which will affect your mark (and could lead to you failing the assignment).
Tips for Completion: Pick an appropriate time period OR another country/countries that allow you to carry out an effective comparison. For all the issues you discuss, consider how things are the same/different. What are the implications of these differences (including cultural ones) for how the problem manifests, its extent, how we explain it and how we respond to it? Can we learn anything from how the problem is constructed or responded to at other times or in other countries? If you choose not to compare E&W with another country, then you should include at least one paragraph (but even better if you are able to relate this throughout) discussing why the topic and the countries’ attitudes, problems and responses are of concern to E&W. You should only do this if the crime itself does not take place in (or does not involve victimisation of citizens of) England & Wales. For further advice on more unusual topics, or ways of comparing, please speak to the module leader (or post a question on the discussion board).
Plan
Q1. Title
Comparing the rise of terrorism in England and the USA.
Q2. Heading under which your case study will fall – note if your case study does not fall under one of the headings then you cannot pass this assessment]
Q3. What is the specific focus of your case study?
[Briefly state the crime/harm you intend to consider – be specific and focused. E.g. illegal trade in rhino horn; adult sex work in brothels; theft of cultural artefacts during periods of war; etc.]
Q4. What is your country or time of comparison?
[Briefly also state why you have chosen this comparison]
Q5. What is the nature of the crime being committed?
[Say here a little about what crime occurs & how it is committed, as well as what you will look at more in the case study. Where relevant mention both countries/times]
Q6. Who is affected by this crime and how?
[Consider who are the ‘victims’ of this crime, and/or others that may be harmed by it. Where relevant, mention both countries/times]
Q7. Who is thought to commit such crime?
[Consider who the perpetrators of this crime are. Where relevant, mention both countries/times]
Q8. To what extent (how much) does this crime take place?
[Mention also any other sources you intend to use in your case study to add to what you have found out so far. Make sure you consider extent for both your countries/times]
Q9. How do you intend to consider the issues in questions 5-8 critically?
[What sorts of things will you be saying in your case study to critique the points presented about nature, victims, perpetrators and extent? E.g. lack of information on extent if the issue is under-reported]
Q10. Why is this crime of particular contemporary concern?
[Why is this considered an issue/problem/cause for concern at this moment in time and how do we know this? E.g. political interest, media attention. It may be relevant to mention both countries/times here]
Q11. What theories do you think are most useful in explaining why this crime takes place? Why have you selected these?
[Also note if you think different theories are more applicable to the different countries/times]
Q12. How will you introduce criticality in relation to theory/explanation? [6 marks]
Q13. What specific responses to this crime/harm do you intend to include in you case study? Why are you focusing on these?
[Remember that responses may be legal, regulatory, enforcement or social and that you do not need to cover all of these – only those that are most relevant. You should show you have begun to think about any similarities/differences between the two countries/times]
Q14. How will you introduce criticality in relation to responses?
[What things will you cover in the case study to critique the responses proposed in question 13]