UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Confirmation that this version of the module specification has been approved by the School Learning and Teaching Committee:
30 March 2015
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
Title of the module
Policing (LW542)
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
Kent Law School
3.
Start date of the module
September 2006, revised start date January 2015
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
50
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module
Honours [H]
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 credits (7.5 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Spring term
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
All single and joint honors Law programmes
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
11.1 To identify the main literature and sources relevant to the subject and to explain key research
techniques in locating and using those materials
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11.2 To identify the key functions and principles of the policing process
11.3 To consider ethical and legal principles underlying the police investigation of crime and their
relationship to social policies
11.4 To examine the procedures and decision stages of police work
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students will have knowledge of:
12.1 The main sources of data about policing, from a range of disciplines. They should be able to use
these materials for research purposes
12.2 The relationship between police forces and society
12.3 The workings of the police
12.4 The implications for the police of the European Convention on Human Rights
These outcomes will be pursued by students giving seminar presentations, entering into informed
seminar discussion and preparing a module assessment.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
The module seeks to provide an historical, legal and social understanding of the police, one of the
key social and legal institutions of the modern state. The police are an integral part of the criminal
justice system and as such, this module is a core element in a criminal justice programme.
The following topics will be covered:
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The History of Policing
Modern organisation of the Police
Transnational Policing
Policing Strategies
The Constitutional Role and Accountability of the Police
Fighting crime
Police Powers and Police Discretion
Interrogation and Confessions
Prosecution and Policing
14. Indicative Reading List
Core text
Joyce, P: Policing: Development and Contemporary Practice (Sage: 2011 – 1st edition)
Important reference books
Reiner, R. The Politics of the Police (OUP 3rd ed 2001)
Newburn, T. (ed) Handbook of Policing (Willan, 3rd ed October 2011)
Newburn, T. (ed) Policing – Key readings (Willan, October 2004)
Wakefield, A and Fleming, J (eds) The SAGE Dictionary of Policing (SAGE, 2009) – will generally be
useful for consultation on a wide variety of issues arising on the course.
Rowe M: Introduction to Policing (Sage 2008) (reprinted 3 times so you may find versions from
2011 – all are the same)
Background reading
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Card R. and English J. Police Law (9th ed 2005)
Jefferson T. The Case Against Paramilitary Policing (Open UP 1990)
Leishman F. et al Core Issues in Policing (2nd ed Longman 2000)
Mclaughlin E. The New Policing (Sage 2007)
Sanders A and Young R Criminal Justice (Oxford 3rd ed 2007)
Walker N. Policing in a Changing Constitutional Order (Sweet and Maxwell 2001)
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of
the intended module learning outcomes
This module is taught over 10 weeks excluding reading and writing weeks.
There are two 1-hour lectures per week (20hours), and a 1-hour seminar per week starting in the
second week of term (9hours).
There are 121hours of private study allocated to this module, with 150 study hours for the module
overall.
Teaching is through a combination of lecture and seminar, though the convenor will be available to
discuss particular difficulties raised by individual students, particularly in relation to the preparation
of module assessments either during office hours or by appointment.
All lecture and other course handouts, as well as lecture slides, will be made available on the Moodle
page. Discussion will be based on worksheets which will be provided at the beginning of each
section. These will indicate the learning outcomes of each seminar, contain both required and further
reading and provide questions and problems for seminar discussion. Private study will be primarily
addressed to preparing for seminars and to researching and writing written assessments which fulfils
all learning outcomes 11.1-11.4 and 12.1-12.4. Private study will also address students preparation
and revision towards their examination of the module.
The function of the lectures is to:a)
b)
c)
d)
provide an expository framework of the areas of law to be considered, upon which students
may build more detailed knowledge through private study. This will address learning
outcomes 11.1 – 11.4 and 12.1-12.4.
provide a fuller discussion of the more difficult legal and socio-legal concepts. This will
address learning outcomes 11.1, 11.3 and 12.1.
introduce students to a range of critical approaches to the understanding of policing. This
will address learning outcome 11.1 and 12.1.
to consider in more detail analyses of, and approaches to policing which are not adequately
covered in the texts or in other readily accessible sources. This will address outcome 11.1.
The function of seminars is:a)
b)
for students to learn through engaging in argument based on their prior reading. This will
address learning outcome 11.1 and 12.1.
to provide the opportunity for students to raise points or clarify issues arising from lectures
or reading. This will address learning outcomes 11.2 – 11.4 and 12.2-12.4.
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c)
to develop a deeper critical and evaluative understanding of policing through engaging in
discussion based on prior reading. This will address learning outcomes 11.2 – 11.4 and 12.2
to 12.4.
to identify learning difficulties in relation to particular topics, or of particular students, so that
appropriate remedial steps may be taken. This will address learning outcomes 11.2 – 11.4
and 12.2 to 12.4.
d)
Student skills
In addition to the skills identified in the module objectives, the module seeks to contribute to the
achievement of a number of general transferable or key skills. These include in particular the ability:
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to apply knowledge to complex situations.
to recognise potential alternative conclusions for particular situations, and provide supporting
reasons for them.
to identify accurately the issue(s) which require researching.
to identify and retrieve up to date information, using paper and electronic sources.
to act independently in planning and undertaking tasks.
to use the English language and legal terminology with care and accuracy
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module
learning outcomes
The module will be examined by 50% coursework and 50% written examination.
Coursework content and its relation to the intended learning outcomes
Students will be required to submit an essay of 3500-4000 words (excluding footnotes, quotations
and bibliography) forming 50% of the overall assessment. The Module Convenor will set a list of
essay topics for the students to choose from or may give students the opportunity to set their essay
topic after consultation and agreement of an alternative essay title. The learning outcomes are to
ensure that students develop their research skills (learning outcome 11.1), especially the main
sources of data about policing from a range of disciplines (learning outcome 11.1 and 12.1) and to
develop their knowledge base especially about the relationship between police forces and society
(learning outcomes 11.2 – 11.4 and 12.2-12.4). Assessment of essays is undertaken in accordance
with school assessment criteria which relate to learning experiences envisaged as objectives of the
module and also place particular emphasis upon the acquisition of relevant critical or evaluative skills.
Examination
The examination consists of a 2 hour paper worth 50% of the module. Questions will be primarily
directed to assessing the level of achievement in relation to the module learning outcomes. The
examination will assess learning outcomes 11.1 -11.4 and 12.1 - 12.4.
Dissertations
Students may undertake a 100% dissertation on a topic related to one or more of the learning
objectives of the module. Dissertations may only be undertaken with the approval of the supervisor
and must be submitted by the end of the first week of the summer term. The dissertation length is
8000 words. The dissertation will assess learning outcomes 11.1 -11.4 and 12.1 - 12.4.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None
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18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation,
and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within
this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or
substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be
made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service,
and specialist support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus where module will be delivered: Canterbury
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