Mind and Code: Crime in Context

About this course

The course examines crime beyond individual offending, connecting patterns of victimisation and criminal justice responses with social factors including age, gender, ethnicity and class. It introduces theories of social pressure, group influence, social control, inequality, labelling and realist criminology, alongside zemiology and broader forms of social harm. Sessions combine interactive lectures, small-group seminars and critical analysis of government data, public inquiries and media or other shared resources. Topics include the Crime Survey for England and Wales, primary and secondary victimisation, suicide, crimes by states and corporations, environmental harm, globalisation and human trafficking.

What you'll learn

• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of official crime statistics, including the Crime Survey for England and Wales.
• Distinguish between primary and secondary victimisation and examine the idea of the ideal victim.
• Analyse how class, ethnicity, gender and age influence offending, victimisation and criminal justice outcomes.
• Apply zemiology to compare legal definitions of crime with wider forms of social, economic and environmental harm.
• Use realist criminology to examine why some crimes receive greater attention and resources than others.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and does not require previous criminology study. It involves examining evidence, questioning assumptions and discussing different perspectives in lectures and small-group seminars. Learners should have a good standard of spoken and written English and be prepared to engage respectfully with potentially sensitive topics.

• No previous study of criminology is required.
• Participation includes discussion and critical consideration of shared resources.
• Some subjects may be sensitive or challenging.
• Optional reading, viewing or journaling can extend engagement between sessions, with no formal homework or assessment.

Before you go

• Learners may wish to bring materials for taking notes.