| Unit name | Leisure, Pleasure and Harm |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOL30063 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Joanna Large |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit will explore new developments in criminology which explore the relationship between leisure and consumption and harm. Drawing upon new theoretical frameworks such as 'deviant leisure' and critical criminological approaches which focus on harm, this unit will explore new fields of research. Through exploring a range of leisure activities, which are generally non-criminal, value-normative and culturally acceptable - even socially desirable - this unit will encourage students to critically analyse leisure, pleasure and consumption choices with reference to criminological and sociological analyses of harm, crime, culture and identity.
This unit aims to encourage students to critically analyse leisure and consumption choices in relation to understandings of harm. This will include students looking at issues such as how crime is constructed and how harm is embedded in legitimate and culturally acceptable activities within the context of global consumer capitalism.
Specifically the unit will examine:
An overview of content
The unit is delivered in three blocks of learning. Block A sets out the theoretical framework. Block B looks at specific topic examples (including: the night-time economy, gambling, the fashion industry, beauty and health, and tourism). Block C reflects on the application of theoretical ideas and considers why a perspective that analyses harms in relation to leisure and consumption is essential for critical criminology.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will be challenged to question their assumptions around activities that can be described as criminal or harmful. Students will engage with advanced critical thinking skills and be encouraged to research a topic of their own choice, demonstrating their ability to apply their knowledge, understanding and academic skills. This work culminates in the form of an assessed individual presentation (recorded) with a supporting annotated bibliography, allowing you to develop strong and effective visual and verbal communication skills.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
This unit draws on a flipped learning approach. This is a pedagogic approach that introduces you to the weekly content through a series of independent structured learning activities before coming together in the classroom. This allows the time in the classroom to be spent engaging with ‘deep learning’ and ‘scaffolding’ the skills required for your summative assessment, through a series of interactive tasks and discussions.
This means that you will have structured learning to complete to prepare you for interactive group workshops – which will include pre-recorded presentations, podcasts and guided reading. This will form the basis of the knowledge required for this unit. You will be asked to complete interactive tasks that relate to your structured learning that will include padlets and preparation activities for your workshops. In the workshops – which will be weekly two hour sessions - you will be expected to complete interactive activities and discussions. This allows you to expand and develop your knowledge and understanding, develop your critical thinking skills and develop broader employability skills such as effective communication, team working, and research and analysis skills
Workshop activities will include a range of formative activities that support preparation for the summative assessment. This will include group presentations, visual displays of topics researched, and activities that support the development of critical reading and critical thinking skills. In addition, as a final year unit, you will be expected to supplement your structured learning and workshops with independent study. An up-to-date resources list and ‘additional materials’ folder will provide suggestions and links to further relevant and interesting resources to support your learning
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative assessment will include group presentations, visual displays of topics researched, and activities that support the development of critical reading and critical thinking skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
Individual Recorded Presentation (10 minutes) including a 1250 word Annotated Bibliography (100%)
This assessment covers all of the ILOs.
When assessment does not go to plan
Subject to the university regulations for taught programmes, unsuccessful students may be offered an opportunity for reassessment. This will comprise a task of the same format as the original assessment.
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. SPOL30063).
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 University 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. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
