| Unit name | Evil, Deviance, and Crime |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL30127 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Lena Zuchowski |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
n/a |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Evil, deviance and crime are crucial notions in modern society: they lie at the core of our criminal justice system; determine whom we consider a ‘dangerous person’; influence how we diagnose and treat mental illnesses; and provide a framework for interpreting history. However, these are also philosophically difficult notions: they are often difficult to entangle and their meaning derives from a variety of sources.
In this unit, we consider a range of philosophical relevant aspects pertaining to evil, deviance and crime and to their societal roles. We analyse the definition of evil (‘the bad’) in classical normative moral theories and consider the relationship between social norms and deviance. Then, we investigate how both notions influence the definition of crime and, correspondingly, criminal laws and criminal justice. Furthermore, we discuss the relationships between crime, dangerousness, and mental illness. Finally, using Hannah Arendt’s analysis of individual morality during the Holocaust, we consider the question of personal moral responsibility under totalitarian regimes.
On successful completion of the unit students will be able to:
(1) Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the central philosophical literature on evil, deviance and crime,
(2) Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the complex relationships between these three notions.
(3) Compare and evaluate different philosophical arguments pertaining to these issues and concepts with a sophistication appropriate to level H/6.
(4) Demonstrate skills in philosophical writing and argumentation appropriate to level H/6.
Lectures and seminars.
Formative Assessment: Digital Group Presentation (0% to be completed for the award of credit) [ILOs 1-3]
Summative Assessment: 1 x 4500 word essay (100%) [ILOs 1-4]
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. PHIL30127).
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.
