Hate Crime & Sexual Violence (912M3)
Hate Crime and Sexual Violence
Module 912M3
Module details for 2023/24.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This module will focus on issues relating to hate crime and sexual violence and the criminal justice system. The module starts by exploring the various conceptualisations of hate crime and how and why its definition has differed between jurisdictions. Focus is then given to the growing legislative responses to hate-motivated offences both in the UK and US. Students will examine the extent to which the singling out of certain prejudiced motivations for enhanced sentencing (such as, racism, homophobia, anti-religion and disablism) can be justified. Students then move on to explore the main criminological theories that have been put forward to explain the aetiology of hate crime. Attention is also give to research that has evidenced the often heightened levels of harm that such offences cause to both victims and minority communities more broadly.
The second part of the module focuses on sexual violence. Students examine the reforms made to the law and practice with regards to sexual assault and will consider remaining issues, highlighting attrition and problems of attitude. Some academics have argued that sexual violence should also be classified as hate crime. As such students will explore the arguments for and against the inclusion of sexual violence under the label of hate crime, noting both the impacts that inclusion/exclusion under the label may have on the state's responses to such crimes. Students will also examine the use of alternative criminal justice measures for hate crime and sexual violence. Particular focus is given to the use of restorative justice and students will assess the potential benefits and pitfalls of using such an approach.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstarte an understanding of the conceptual complexities in defining hate crime and sexual violence
Demonstrate an understanding of the law of England and Wales as it relates to sexual violence and hate crime
Analyse and critically evaluate the problems faced by the criminal justice system in tackling sexual violence and hate crime
Demonstrate an understanding of criminological explanations on the causes and effects of hate crime and sexual violence
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (5000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Thu 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111110 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Mark Walters
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/112655
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