LW7152 - Police and Policing

You will learn through lectures, workshops and independent learning. Workshops are designed to allow you to explore and discuss issues raised in lectures, readings and other materials. They also provide a curated learning experience focused on more specialist topics and will typically involve directed tasks in the context of which you will be asked to lead the classroom discussion. The lectures will address key theories and concepts, also drawng on the module tutor’s own research.



Lectures and workshops typically will be followed up by directed and independent learning tasks, allowing you to explore the module material independently. All your learning will be supported through the module’s eLP (Blackboard).



The module tutor encourages reflection and conversation and will be available throughout the semester to discuss questions and issues emerging from the course material either in the classroom learning context, via eLP discussions or via direct communication.

You will be supported academically by a comprehensive module handbook outlining key dates and explaining the structure and content of the lecture and workshop programme, the assessment requirements and a list of key readings per topic. Course materials including lecture MSpowerpoint slides, workshop worksheets and the assignment brief will be available via the eLP (Blackboard).



Additional material (such as official reports and government documents) relating to each lecture will also be available on a weekly basis via the eLP, including reading guides to help you plan your learning and time. Some lectures and workshops will be supported by selected suitable audiovisual material.



The module will use the eLP’s Discussions facility, and there will be a dedicated discussion thread on the eLP to follow up each session.



Opportunities for formative feedback on the progress of your learning and the development of your assignment will be available. One workshop towards the end of the semester will be dedicated to the development of your assignment.



The module tutor encourages direct communication either on site or via the eLP and email, and will be also available for one-on-one meetings and email correspondence throughout the semester. You will receive tailored written feedback on your assignment.



The University supports you in learning and research with an excellent library and teaching facilities, access to on-line legal databases and resources and appropriate software.



At programme level you will be supported by the Programme Leader who will provide pastoral support throughout the module and the programme.



The Programme Administration and Student Liaison teams are responsible for the non-academic administration of the module. They will contact you throughout the duration of your module with details about the assignment and other issues.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

Analyse key characteristics of the historical development of policing in England and in comparative context.

Evaluate key features of the structure and culture of police work, especially in connection with the legal system.

Assess the effectiveness of the structures of police governance and accountability, particularly in light of civil liberties and human rights issues.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Analyse, apply and interpret key concepts and data used by the sociolegal study of the police.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Recognise and evaluate the challenges of policing in the socially diverse and multicultural social environment of typical advanced liberal democracies.

There is one summative assessment for this module.



Formative feedback will be available in the context of the lecture and workshop programme. The module tutor will be available for one-to-one meetings to support your learning.



The assessment consists in a 3000-word-long essay on a range of topics drawn from the lecture and workshop programme. You will be expected to synthesise information and insights drawn from the extant literature as well as other open data to evaluate key trends and challenges in modern policing (MLOs 1-7)



You will receive written feedback on the assignment. Formative feedback on the development of your assessed work will be provided to you in the context of workshops and in one-to-one meetings/direct communication with your tutor.

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In this module you will explore the development of the police function, organisation and practice in modern society. You will interrogate key concepts, theories and debates in the sociolegal study of the police, including the relation of the police with the legal system and criminal justice. The module situates policing within the wider institutional configuration of security and social control and facilitates an understanding of how economic, political and ideological factors shape these institutions. A range of historical and comparative issues in police organisation, deployment and practice are approached from a British and comparative perspective, offering you ample opportunity to reflect on their implications for democratic government, civil liberties and human security.