| Unit name | Colonialism, Sexual Offences and Law |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOL20062 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Natasha Carver |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The number of prosecutions for sexual offences has increased considerably over the last decade in England and Wales. At the same time, those charged with sexual offences are significantly more likely to plead ‘not guilty’ than for any other crime. This has resulted in a high proportion of jury trials comprising of sexual offences. While Black and Asian men have been disproportionately subject to arrest for sexual offences compared to White men, they are also less likely to be found guilty, but those convicted are more likely to be issued with custodial sentences.
This unit looks at the regulation of sexual behaviour and sexual relations. We explore law and policy pertaining to sexuality from colonialism to the present day. We consider the long-lasting legacies of colonial ideologies and power dynamics and the ways in which they continue to operate in present-day prosecutions of sexual offences. The unit introduces students to post-colonial theory and narrative criminology. Students will also deepen and develop their understandings of the workings of the criminal justice system, including in relation to rules of evidence and vulnerable witnesses.
This unit will draw on a blended learning approach. Students will engage with asynchronous taught content (including, for example, narrated slides and other teaching and research materials) and will be tasked to complete activities in preparation for synchronous sessions to present and discuss ideas and clarify learning.
Summative Part 1: 30% - A narrative analysis. 1000 words. Students will choose one text from a limited selection of legal narratives (e.g. a judgement, sentencing remarks, probation report) which they will analyse.
Assesses ILOs: 3,4,5
Summative Part 2: 70% - Essay. 2000 words
Assesses ILOs: 1,2,4
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. SPOL20062).
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.
