Life Behind Bars

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Utilise interdisciplinary perspectives from criminology, sociology, psychology, and law and hence to appreciate the value of interdisciplinary approaches to issues in criminology and criminal justice.
• Critically examine theoretical and empirical accounts of the diverse experiences of imprisonment, for diverse populations, and evaluate the contribution of this literature to an understanding of the rehabilitative (or otherwise) properties of the prison
• Critically assess and interpret policy, data, theory, and literature.
• Develop superior problem-solving, critical thinking, and research skills, using library and electronic resources.
• Demonstrate an ability to work both independently and constructively with others.
• Understand, apply, and critically assess human rights law and its policy implications, specifically in relation to prisoners and immigration detainees.
• Generate and present verbal and written arguments.
• Compare and contrast the practice of imprisonment in England and Wales with international examples of penal 'exceptionalism'.

The module begins by reviewing the contested aims and outcomes of imprisonment before proceeding to consider prison governance; specific aspects of the prison experience and how this is differentiated according to offending needs, gender, and race; prison law, human rights, inspection and accountability; and the comparative study of penal systems. It is also anticipated that students will be able, if they so wish, to undertake two educational visits to prisons with specialist functions.

Teaching and learning methods

The postgraduate module is taught through nine, two hour participatory seminars, and two day-long educational fieldtrips. Learning occurs through reading, analysis, and group discussion of key literature, further independent research, and observing and interacting with prison staff and prisoners.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Reading List. As a postgraduate module, textbooks are not set. Students are provided with an extensive reading list and are expected to complete a range of readings, predominantly research monographs and journal articles.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External