Sociology and Criminology
Punishment and Penology
Module code: L3114
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework
On this module, you’ll critically examine both the theory and practice of punishment, with a primary focus on England and Wales and relevant comparisons to other countries, including Europe, North America, and Australasia.
Key topics include:
- justifications for punishment
- different penologies
- contemporary imprisonment
- women in prison
- immigration detention centres
- alternatives to imprisonment
- radical critiques, such as abolitionism.
You’ll explore a range of theoretical approaches to punishment alongside contemporary and historical empirical examples.
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of theories of punishment.
- Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of empirical studies of punishment.
- Apply theoretical arguments and penological concepts to empirical examples.
- Assimilate and evaluate evidence from criminological studies of punishment.