| Unit name | Youth Justice |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOL20022 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Jo Staines |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This a second year optional unit that tackles some of the key challenges and tensions within the youth justice system in England and Wales. The unit explores the needs and rights of children and young people involved in offending behaviour and in the youth justice system, and how we should respond to those children and young people who cause harm to others. The unit includes a reflection on the development of the youth justice system from the days of the transportation or execution of children to the current ‘Scaled Approach’ responses. The unit unpicks the politicization of youth crime and the demonisation of young people, from ‘condemning a little more’ to ‘hugging a hoody’. We consider the research evidence that attempts to explain why children and young people become involved in offending behaviour, ranging from anti-social behaviour to grave crimes. Understanding current practice within the youth justice system, including restorative justice and early intervention programmes, is an integral part of the unit; we also consider international perspectives on youth crime to see how youth justice systems operate elsewhere in the world. Specific topical issues, such as children and young people's involvement in gangs or the radicalisation of young British Muslims, may also be included. Seminar debates will be held on potentially controversial issues, such as the age of criminal responsibility or the responses to children who commit serious offences.
The objectives of the unit are to develop students' awareness and knowledge of:
At the end of the unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through blended learning involving a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions across the teaching block, including weekly lectures/narrated presentations, self-directed exercises and group activities. Weekly synchronous sessions will be scheduled to enable discussion, debate and the sharing of learning. Feedback will be provided for formal assessments, preparation for which will be supported through online activities, study group sessions and in the weekly synchronous sessions.
Part 1: Annotated bibliography (1000 words) (25%)
This assessment meets ILOs 1,2, 3 and 4.
Part 2: Essay (2000 words) (75%)
This assessment meets ILOs 1, 2, 3 and 4.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOL20022).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
