Rationale
This module introduces students to some aspects of media studies and as such examines topics including the role of the media in political and cultural life, the role of cultural practices and institutions within society, the dynamics of media discourses in the shaping of culture and society and how cultural theories, concepts and sub cultures have evolved. In addition it explores a range of media representations of crime and deviance such as the drug taker, the drug dealer, the persistent young offender, the serial killer, the fraudster together with a host of other criminal and deviant groups.
The module examines critically everyday common sense notions about these groups, paying particular attention to media and political discourse. In addition the module introduces students to criminological thinking and research about these groups, focussing upon the problematic nature of law and order rhetoric. Within the study of these groups, the module invites students to think about the socially constructed nature of crime and deviance, and how these typologies change over time and between cultures. The module is delivered through weekly lecture programme that incorporate group discussions and workshops. This module is intended to clear the ground so that criminological argument; theory and evidence can take over from the often populist entry point of many students.