Module manager: Dr Sean Butcher
Email: s.b.butcher@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
LAW1136 Understanding Crime
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module offers an introduction to the complex and contested concept of crime, as well as the ways it has been theorised within criminology. The module explores various foundational principles of crime, examining the gap between 'common sense' understandings of the phenomenon and its more nuanced realities. Specific attention is given to the manners in which crime is defined, measured, represented, and experienced. The module also introduces a range of interdisciplinary perspectives that have been employed to explain crime and shape the field of criminology, from its origins to contemporary approaches. Students will engage with key research that both influences and is influenced by such perspectives, and consider the various debates that these inform.
This module aims to help students develop a nuanced understanding of crime, along with some of the ways that it has been theorised within the criminological discipline. Students will engage in an appraisal of the ‘common sense’ concept, unpacking how it is perceived within both popular and academic settings and observing gaps between such interpretations. To support this undertaking, students will develop a close familiarity with relevant source material – including via tasks set for completion during independent study – assessment of which will allow for separation of ‘myths’ from measurable realities. During lectures, students will later gain insights into various perspectives that have provided a foundation for specific theorisation on crime and the conditions in which it occurs; and this will be followed by opportunity to discuss their relative value and contemporary significance within seminar environments.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Conceptualise and identify major issues in contemporary crime;
2- Describe and discuss the foundational concepts, theories and principles of criminology;
3- Connect theoretical and substantive insights into crime to established themes in social theory and major fields of social policy.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1- Identify, explain and analyse sources of information on crime and related areas of research;
2- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and raise questions concerning established ideas and knowledge;
3- Collaborate with others to discuss key issues in crime and criminology.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Seminar | 8 | 1.5 | 12 |
| Independent online learning hours | 10 | ||
| Private study hours | 358 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
A formal formative assessment opportunity will be provided for each summative assessment task, which is specifically pedagogically aligned to that task. As part of this, each student will receive feedback designed to support the development of knowledge and skills that will be later assessed in the summative task.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | . | 30 |
| Coursework | . | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team