CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending | My Assignment Tutor

Faculty of Professional and SocialSciences/ School of LawDepartment of Criminology & SociologyGangs and Group OffendingCRM3540Module Leader: David Porteous & Matt CracknellTerms 1 & 2, 2020/21Version 12CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/21Online location of handbookThis handbook can also be accessed via My Learning at:https://mdx.mrooms.net/course/view.php?id=14546Other formats availableThis handbook is available in a large print format. If you would like a large print copy or haveother requirements for the handbook, please contact the Disability Support Service(disability@mdx.ac.uk, +44 (0)20 8411 4945).DisclaimerThe material in this handbook is as accurate as possible at the date of production. You will benotified of any minor changes promptly. If there are any major changes to the module youwill be consulted prior to the changes being confirmed. Please check the version number onthe front page of this handbook to ensure that you are using the most accurate information.Other documentsYour module handbook should be read and used alongside your programme handbook andthe information available to all students on My Learning, including the Academic Regulations.Your programme handbook can be found on the My Learning programme page for yourcourse.3CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/21Table of Contents1. Welcome ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..42. The module teaching team…………………………………………………………………………………….43. Communication with the teaching team ………………………………………………………………….54. Module overview ………………………………………………………………………………………………….55. Learning resources………………………………………………………………………………………………..76. Expectations of studying this module…………………………………………………………………….117. Assessment ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..138. Module Week By Week Planner ……………………………………………………………………………164CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/211. WelcomeWelcome! This module critically examines the concepts of serious group offending and inparticular the phenomenon of gangs. The existence and prevalence of gangs is contestedacademically and by practitioners. The module will consider classic and contemporarytheories as to why gangs form and appear to thrive at certain times and in particular placesand examine the challenges of defining gangs as opposed to street cultures and peer groups.Issues such as risks and motivations for joining, membership, behaviours, territoriality,recruitment, levels of violence, criminal activity, gender, links to organised crime, deprivationand globalisation are all pertinent topics addressed in the module. In addition, the modulehas a contemporary and practice focus, with sessions for example on ‘county lines’, ‘jointenterprise’, the use of social media by gangs and the surveillance such use by the police. Inthe second part of the module, there will be contributions from professionals from the police,youth offending services and gang intervention projects.David Porteous and Matt Cracknell (Module Leaders)2. The module teaching teamPlease see below details of the teaching team for this module. Module leader & Lecturer: Dr David PorteousEmail: d.porteous@mdx.ac.ukOffice hours: Wednesdays, 11am-1pmBook via the Office Hours Booking Form in My LearningModule leader & Lecturer: Dr Matt CracknellEmail: m.cracknell@mdx.ac.ukOffice hours: Mondays 12pm-2:00pm and Thursdays 1-3pm.Please use the following link:https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=20750175Lecturer: Professor Anthony GoodmanEmail: a.goodman@mdx.ac.ukOffice hours: email to make an appointment 5CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/213. Communication with the teaching teamIn the first instance, please use the workshop/tutorial hour that is built into the moduleteaching schedule (see your personal timetable) in order to raise queries, discussassignments etc.Otherwise, if you would like to see one of the teaching team at other times, please visitthem during office hours (see above) or else email to arrange an appointment.The module team are likely to send emails about module related matters such asassessment at various points throughout the year. It is important to check your universityemail on a regular basis for this reason.The module’s My Learning page will be updated on an ongoing basis as the moduleprogresses so again please refer to this on a regular basis.4. Module overviewAimsThis module critically examines the concepts of serious group offending and in particular thegrowing phenomenon of gangs. The existence and prevalence of gangs is contestedacademically and by practitioners. The module will consider classic and contemporarytheories as to why gangs form and thrive in places; the challenges of defining gangs asopposed to street cultures and peer groups will be considered. Issues such asterritoriality, deprivation, style, criminal activities including, county lines and sexualexploitation and globalisation are all pertinent topics and themes addressed in themodule. Gender, ethnicity and class reverberate as key concepts throughout. The moduleconsiders different theoretical approaches for understanding gangs and groupoffending and different responses to associated problems from a range of practice focusedperspectives.Learning OutcomesKnowledgeOn completion of this module the successful student will be able to:➢ relate group offending and gangs to social disorganisation, race, gender, deprivation;➢ summarise the challenges of defining group offending, gangs and peers networks;➢ evaluate the classic and contemporary theories of gang formation and organisation;➢ analyse current initiatives regarding intervention, prevention and gang desistance;6CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/21SkillsThis module will call for the successful student to:➢ demonstrate critical awareness of the contested knowledge base regarding gangsand group offending;➢ distinguish between US and UK theories and evidence base;➢ distinguish between different types of intervention and identify how and where suchinterventions might be applied.Syllabus• Context (1) The History of Youth Offending• Context (2) Theorising Youthful Offending• A Range of Perspectives: Academic Gangland in the UK• Reluctant Gangsters A ‘Critical Realist’ Approach• A Question of Style A Cultural Criminological Approach• Gangs in the Media• Globalisation and Gangs• Gangs, Gender and Child Sexual Exploitation• County Lines• Gangs and Social Media• Football Hooliganism• Policy responses/Desistance from Gangs• Joint enterprise• Practice Perspectives:• A View from the Police• A View from the Youth Offending Team• A View from Inside the Gang• A View from a Mental Health perspective• A View from the CommunityLearning, Teaching and Assessment StrategyIn 2020/21, this module will be taught through a blended online model that combines both‘live’ activities such as lectures, group discussions and tutorials conducted over one or morevirtual learning platforms (e.g. Zoom, Kaltura Newrow) with ‘on demand’ materials such asrecordings of lectures, powerpoint slides and/or slideshows, videos, quizzes and onlinereading lists.7CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/21Although many of these activities will be led by the module teaching team, there will also beopportunities for students to interact with each other independently. Depending on therestrictions in place over the course of the academic year, it is also anticipated that at leastsome ‘live’ activities will be held on campus, perhaps involving smaller groups than wouldnormally be the case. The module will involve a range of guest speakers speaking frompractice perspectives. To maximise the chances of these speakers being able to present inperson, these sessions will be organised to take part in the second part of themodule (Spring 2021).The module will involve two hours of ‘live’ contact time each week (delivered online or oncampus). This will include lectures and discussion of ideas but also activities such aswatching a video or reading a short text that will lead into either further discussion or elseactivities such as a quiz. Contact time will also be focused on supporting students withassessments from general guidance to one to one feedback on their work in progressAssessment SchemePlease see pp13/14 below for details of assessment.8CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/215. Learning MaterialsNo single book covers the whole module. Below are listed some important books (and onespecial edition of the journal ‘Youth Justice’) that you need to know about, look at andconsult on a regular basis. The much more extensive online reading list can be accessedfrom the My Study area of UniHub or from the My Learning page for the module. This isupdated on an ongoing basis and provides an extended list of reading materials arrangedunder key themes covered.Essential ReadingAndell, P. (2019). Thinking seriously about gangs: towards a critical realist approach.Springer.Brotherton D. (2015) Youth Street Gangs: A Critical Appraisal, Oxford: RoutledgeDensley, J. (2013) How Gangs Work, Oxford: PalgraveGoldson, B. (2011) Youth in Crisis? Gang’s Territoriality and violence. London: RoutledgeGunter, A. (2017). Race, Gangs and Youth Violence: Policy, prevention and policing. PolicyPress.Hagedorn J. (2008) A World of Gangs, University of Minnesota PressHallsworth, S. (2013). The gang and beyond: Interpreting violent street worlds. Springer.Harding, S. (2014) The Street Casino: survival in the violent street gang, Bristol: The PolicyPressHarding, S. (2020). County Lines: Exploitation and Drug Dealing amongst Urban StreetGangs. Policy Press.Ilan J (2015) Understanding Street Culture. London: Palgrave MacmillanJournal of Youth Justice. (2020). Special Issue Title: Street Gangs, Group Offending andViolence, Volume 20 Issue 1-2, available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/toc/YJJ/currentPitts J. (2008) Reluctant Gangsters: The Changing Face of Youth Crime, Cullompton, WillanPublishing:Toy, J. (2016) Silent Voices, London: Peaches PublicationsRecommended JournalsBritish Journal of CriminologyCrime, Media and CultureCriminal Justice MattersSafer CommunitiesTheoretical CriminologyYouth Justice9CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/21Films/ TV seriesYour portfolio includes a film or tv programme review so here are just a few ideas. You canof course choose something different to the ones below – just check with us if you areuncertain if it is suitable. By no means all are in the library for a while so you may need to beenterprising to track them down.10CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/216. Expectations of studying this moduleAttendance policyYou are expected to attend all the 2 hour ‘leminars’ for this module.Lateness policyLate arrivals are disruptive for students and teaching staff. To ensure that the learningenvironment is not unduly disrupted please do not enter lecture theatres or workshop roomslate. While staff appreciate that students are sometimes late because of factors beyond theircontrol this does not alter the fact that lateness disrupts. If it is likely that you will miss ateaching session you should telephone or eMail your tutor, in advance, to explain yourabsence. Should you arrive late please wait outside and see the lecturer afterwardsMobile phonesAll mobile phones must be switched to silent whilst in class sessions unless directed by yourtutor to do otherwise. Calls and texts cannot be made or received whilst in class unlessagreed with the tutor prior to the session starting. Mobile phones cause disruption to bothstudents and teachers. If you are observed using your mobile phone you can be asked toleave the session.Professional behaviourThe programme of study you are undertaking is underpinned by developing professionalbehaviour and attitude. You are expected to behave in a professional, supportive manner toyour peers and teachers. You must come to sessions prepared and ready to contribute whereappropriate. Please remember that your University ID should be carried with you always andyou must be able to identify yourself if asked to do so. Please conduct your emailcommunication with fellow students, tutors and all relevant staff in a formal and courteousmanner.Academic misconductStudents who attempt to gain unfair advantage over others through academic misconduct(contravening examination room rules, plagiarism, collusion, etc.) will be penalised bysanctions, according to the severity of the offence, which can include exclusion from theUniversity. Links to the relevant University regulations and additional support resources canbe found here:Section F: Infringement of Assessment Regulations/Academic Misconduct:http://www.mdx.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/424179/Section-F.pdfReferencing & Plagiarism: Suspected of plagiarism?:http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/c.php?g=322119&p=2155601Referencing and avoiding plagiarism:http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/your-study/learning-enhancement-team/online-resources/referencing-andavoiding-plagiarismThe MDXSU Advice Service offers free and independent support face-to-face in making an appeal,complaint or responding to any allegations of academic or non-academic misconduct.11CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/21https://www.mdxsu.com/adviceExtenuating circumstances:There may be difficult circumstances in your life that affect your ability to meet anassessment deadline or affect your performance in an assessment. These are known asextenuating circumstances or ‘ECs’. Extenuating circumstances are exceptional, seriouslyadverse and outside of your control. Please see link for further information and guidelines:https://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/your-study/assessment-and-regulations/extenuating-circumstances12CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/217. AssessmentFormative assessment: Formative assessment is completed during your year of study andprovides the opportunity to evaluate your progress with your learning. The formativeassessment for this module is participation in and contribution to Leminar discussions anddebates. This will be assessed by a register of attendance at Seminars and by tutorassessment of contribution and engagement. Please note that failure to meet the universityrequirement of 80% attendance at the leminars could jeopardise your chances of passing themodule.In addition, you can use the workshop/tutorial hour to discuss assignments and your progresson the module with the module team.Summative assessment: Summative assessment is used to check the level of learning by theend of the course. It is summative because it is based on accumulated learning during thecourse. The point is to ensure that students have met the learning outcomes for the courseand are at the appropriate level. It is the summative assessment that determines the gradethat you are awarded for the module.There are two summative assessment components in this module as follows:Summative Assessment OnePortfolio: This will be worth 50% of the mark. Total 3,000 wordsThe portfolio must include each/all of the following elements:• A Chapter or Journal Article review: This will be a 1,000 word review of any chapterfrom a book in the reading list or any Journal Article on the reading list. This shouldbe a critical review of the issues, including any theories or perspectives adopted inthe piece and the overall significance of the work to the gang agenda. This will beworth 20% of the overall mark.• A Film Review from the list in the handbook OR a Review of a Gang ReductionPolicy from a UK local authority: 500 words. You should identify a key criminologicaltheory in the film and critically review the film in relation to the gang’s agenda ratherthan describe it. Worth 10% of the overall mark.• Submitted typewritten notes on three selected lectures (from weeks 2-12) OR abook which you have read in full: This should be 1,500 words in total. The notesshould indicate your ability to order and collate information and thoughts in yourdetailed notes from any three lectures which you attended / or detailed notes fromany book you have read from the reading list for this module. This will be worth 20%of the overall mark.13CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/21These three items should be conjoined within one overall portfolio document andsubmitted as one piece on Turnitin with each new item commencing on a fresh page.Please ensure your submission is carefully titled and identifiable as your own work. Onlyelectronic assignments uploaded to Turnitin will be accepted – no hard copies.Submission date/time: 5pm (17.00) Friday 29th January 2021Summative Assessment TwoEssay: This will be worth 50% of the overall mark. It is a 2,500 word essay from a list of setquestions, one of which should be chosen. The list of questions will be made available at thebeginning of term 2 at the latest. This submission will also be via Turnitin only.Submission date/time: 5pm (17.00) on Tuesday 20th April 2021More details and guidance on assignments will be issued during the course of the module.7.1 Feedback on your assignmentsYou will be provided with feedback on all coursework that is designed to be helpful andinformative, consistent with aiding the learning and development process. Theworkshop/tutorial hour has been designed primarily as a time and space when you can talkto the module team about issues to do with assessment – please use it.Feedback on both summative assignments will normally be provided within 15 WORKINGDAYS (i.e. not weekends, bank holidays etc.) of the submission dates indicated above. Pleasenote that grades on both assignments will remain provisional (though unlikely to change)until they have been moderated both internally and externally to check that they are fair,consistent and in line with national expectations for courses at this level of study. Theseprovisional grades will be confirmed at the Assessment Board in June 2021. Any work thatneeds to be resubmitted will then be due by 5pm (17.00) on Friday 23rd July 2021.Please note that assessments will be marked as a percentage (%) initially before beingconverted to the Middlesex grading scale at the end of the module. The final grades for themodule are due to be formally published (in myunihub under My Grades and Progression)on 17th June 20207.2 How is your assignment mark agreed?The following diagram provides an overview of the marking process for your moduleassessment. Note that stages 3-5 take place at the end of the module.14CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/211• You submit your assignment2• The first marker grades the work and provides feedback; this could be completedanonymously depending on the assessment type.3• A moderator or second marker reviews a sample of the work to quality assure thegrades and feedback, to ensure they are accurate. A final mark for the work isagreed between the first marker and the moderator or second marker.4• A sample of work is sent to the External Examiner to check that the grading andfeedback is at the right level and in line with external subject benchmarks (thisapplies to levels 5 & 6 only)5• Your final grades are submitted to the subject assessment board.15CRM3540: Gangs and Group Offending, 2020/218. Weekly Learning Planner Date of Leminar(Learning Week)TEACHING SESSIONS1st October (1)Introduction to the Module8th October (2)Gangs and Group Offending in Context: A History of Respectable Fears15th October (3)Gangs and Group Offending in Context: Theorising Group Offending22ndd October (4)UK academic gangland – UK debates & issues29th October (5)‘Reluctant Gangsters’: a new kind of gang member?Assignment 1 workshop5th November (6)Student guided study week (no classes)12th November (7)A Question of Style? Street codes and Street Culture19th November (8)Gangs in the media26th November (9)International perspectives on Gangs3rd December (10)Gangs, Gender and Child Sexual Exploitation10th December(11)Joint enterprise16th Dec – 3rd JanNo teaching – Xmas break7th January 2021(12)Policy responses to gangs14th January (13)County lines. What does it mean and what can be done?21st January (14)Social media and gangs28th January (15)Paul Bleakley guest lecture – football hooliganismSubmission date/time for Assessment One: 5pm (17.00) Friday 29th January 20214th February (16)Assignment 2 workshop / desistance from gangs11th February (18)Police responses to gangs18th February (17)Student guided study week (no classes)25th February (19)YOT responses to gangs4th March (20)Gangs from the inside11th March (21)Victimology of gang related violence & working with trauma18th March (22)Engaging communities25th March (23)Final thoughts and conclusion to module29th March – 9thAprilEaster Break15th April (24)tutorialsSubmission date/time for Assessment 2: 5pm (17.00) on Tuesday 21st April 2020 Fuller details for each week will be shown on the module’s My Learning page.