CRI4003 Becoming a Criminologist Assignment Brief

CRI4003 Becoming a Criminologist Coursework (Personal Reflection)

Date for Submission: Please refer to the timetable on ilearn

(The submission portal on ilearn will close at 14:00 UK time on the date of submission)

Assignment Brief

As part of the formal assessment for the programme you are required to submit a 

Becoming a Criminologist assignment. Please refer to your Student Handbook for full details of the programme assessment scheme and general information on preparing and submitting assignments.

Learning Outcomes:

After completing the module, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate academic skills appropriate for studying in a higher education setting.
2. Identify personal qualities and transferable skills necessary for employability and lifelong learning.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of criminological theory.
4. Identify, retrieve, process, and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
5. Identify and use appropriate digital applications for given purposes and tasks (GA 1 Digitally literate).

All learning outcomes must be met to pass the module.

Guidance

Your assignment should include: a title page containing your student number, the module name, the submission deadline and the exact word count of your submitted document; the appendices if relevant; and a reference list in (see referencing section for more information). You should address all the elements of the assignment task listed below. Please note that tutors will use the assessment criteria set out below in assessing your work.

You must not include your name in your submission because Arden University operates anonymous marking, which means that markers should not be aware of the identity of the student. However, please do not forget to include your STU number.

Maximum word count: 2000 words for the Mini-Report; 8-12 minutes for the presentation.

Please refer to the full word count policy which can be found in the Student Policies section here: Arden University | Regulatory Framework

The word count includes everything in the main body of the assessment (including in text citations and references). The word count excludes numerical data in tables, figures, diagrams, footnotes, reference list and appendices. All other printed words ARE included in the word count.

Students who exceed the wordcount up to a 10% margin will not be penalised. Students should note that no marks will be assigned to work exceeding the specified limit once the maximum assessment size limit has been reached.

Assignment Task

The assessment is worth 100% of the total marks for the module.

You are a criminologist in a large criminal justice agency.

To celebrate your achievements in the position, you have been asked to reflect upon your journey so far!

You have been asked to share the following information:

1. What inspired you to be a criminologist?
2. What is your favourite criminological theory, and why
3. How do you apply your knowledge to your professional work?
4. What skills do you need to have and develop upon to become a criminologist?

Choose between one of the following formats

1. A 2000 word mini-report

Or

1. An 8 min – 12 max minute narrated presentation

The presentation will be a digital submission using PowerPoint. You must provide a transcript of your narration, and a reference list. The submission portal will allow for multiple files.

(100 Marks)

(LOs: 1-5)

Formative Feedback

You have the opportunity to submit a draft assignment to receive formative feedback.

The feedback is designed to help you develop areas of your work and it helps you develop your skills as an independent learner.

If you are a distance learning student, you should submit your work via Turnitin. Please check your iLearn module pages/forum for the formative feedback deadline and submission link.

If you are a blended learning student, your tutor will give you a deadline for formative feedback and further details. If you have a confirmed extension to your summative (final submission) deadline, please contact your lecturer for information on extensions to the formative feedback deadline.

Formative feedback will not be given to work submitted after the published date or the date specified by your tutor (if a blended learning student).

Referencing Guidance

You MUST underpin your analysis and evaluation of the key issues with appropriate and wide ranging academic research and ensure this is referenced using the AU Harvard system(s).

Follow this link to find the referencing guides for your subject: Arden Library

Submission Guidance

Assignments submitted late will not be accepted and will be marked as a 0% fail.

Your assessment can be submitted as a single Word (MS Word) or PDF file, or, as multiple files.

If you chose to submit multiple files, you must name each document as the question/part you are answering along with your student number ie Q1 Section A STUXXXX. If you wish to overwrite your submission or one of your submissions, you must ensure that your new submission is named exactly the same as the previous in order for the system to overwrite it.

You must ensure that the submitted assignment is all your own work and that all sources used are correctly attributed. Penalties apply to assignments which show evidence of academic unfair practice. (See the Student Handbook which is available on the A-Z key information on iLearn.)

Assessment Criteria (Learning objectives covered – all)

Level 4 is the first stage on the student journey into undergraduate study. At Level 4 students will be developing their knowledge and understanding of the discipline and will be expected to demonstrate some of those skills and competences.

Students are expected to express their ideas clearly and to structure and develop academic arguments in their work.

Students will begin to apply the theory which underpins the subject and will start to explore how this relates to other areas of their learning and any ethical considerations as appropriate. Students will begin to develop self-awareness of their own academic and professional development.

Note: This report is provided as a sample for reference purposes only. For further guidance, detailed solutions, or personalized assignment support, please contact us directly.

Becoming a Criminologist: A Personal Reflection

Introduction

Criminology is a dynamic and multidisciplinary field that explores crime, its causes, consequences, and responses within society. As a criminologist working in a large criminal justice agency, my journey into this profession has been shaped by both personal motivations and academic development. This reflection outlines what inspired me to pursue criminology, my preferred criminological theory, how I apply my knowledge in professional practice, and the key skills necessary for success in this field.

1. Inspiration to Become a Criminologist

My interest in criminology was initially sparked by a deep curiosity about human behavior, particularly why individuals engage in criminal activities. Growing up, I observed various social inequalities and their impact on communities, which led me to question the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

Media coverage of crime, along with real-life cases, further fueled my interest. However, rather than viewing crime as merely an act of wrongdoing, I became interested in understanding the underlying social, psychological, and economic factors contributing to criminal behavior. This curiosity evolved into a desire to contribute positively to society by helping reduce crime and supporting justice.

Additionally, studying criminology at a higher education level provided me with a structured understanding of crime and justice. It allowed me to critically evaluate different perspectives and develop analytical skills. My academic journey reinforced my passion and confirmed my decision to pursue a career in criminology.

2. Favourite Criminological Theory

Among the various criminological theories, my preferred theory is Social Learning Theory, developed by Albert Bandura. This theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through observing and imitating others, especially within close social groups such as family, peers, or communities.

Social Learning Theory is particularly compelling because it emphasizes the role of environment and social interactions in shaping behavior. It highlights how individuals may adopt criminal behavior if they observe it being rewarded or normalized. For example, a young person growing up in a high-crime area may perceive criminal activities as acceptable or even necessary for survival.

I find this theory valuable because it provides practical insights into crime prevention. By addressing environmental factors and promoting positive role models, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of criminal behavior. This theory also aligns with rehabilitation approaches, as it suggests that behavior can be changed through new learning experiences.

Moreover, Social Learning Theory integrates well with other theories, such as differential association theory, making it a comprehensive framework for understanding crime. Its applicability in real-world settings makes it highly relevant to my professional role.

3. Application of Criminological Knowledge in Professional Work

In my role within a criminal justice agency, I apply criminological knowledge in various ways. One key area is in analyzing criminal behavior patterns. By understanding the theoretical frameworks behind crime, I can interpret data more effectively and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.

For instance, applying Social Learning Theory allows me to identify risk factors such as peer influence, family background, and community environment. This helps in designing intervention programs aimed at preventing reoffending. By focusing on education, mentorship, and social support, these programs aim to replace negative influences with positive ones.

Another important aspect of my work is engaging with offenders and understanding their backgrounds. Criminological theories help me approach individuals with empathy rather than judgment. This perspective is essential for effective rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Additionally, my academic training enables me to critically evaluate policies and practices within the criminal justice system. I can assess whether certain approaches are effective or require improvement. This contributes to the development of fair and efficient systems.

Digital literacy also plays a significant role in my work. I use various digital tools to collect, analyze, and present data. This includes databases, case management systems, and research platforms. These tools enhance my ability to make informed decisions and communicate findings effectively.

4. Skills Required to Become a Criminologist

Becoming a successful criminologist requires a combination of academic, professional, and personal skills.

Academic Skills

Strong research and analytical skills are essential. A criminologist must be able to identify relevant information, evaluate sources, and apply theoretical knowledge. Academic writing skills are also important for producing clear and structured reports.

Critical Thinking

Criminologists must be able to analyze complex issues and consider multiple perspectives. This includes understanding ethical considerations and recognizing biases in research and practice.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial when working with colleagues, offenders, and other stakeholders. This includes both verbal and written communication, as well as the ability to present information clearly.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Understanding the experiences and challenges faced by individuals involved in crime is essential. Empathy allows criminologists to build trust and support rehabilitation efforts.

Digital Literacy

In today’s digital age, criminologists must be proficient in using technology. This includes data analysis tools, research databases, and communication platforms.

Problem-Solving Skills

Criminologists often deal with complex and unpredictable situations. The ability to develop practical solutions is therefore essential.

Ethical Awareness

Maintaining ethical standards is critical in criminology. This includes respecting confidentiality, ensuring fairness, and making decisions that align with legal and moral principles.

Conclusion

My journey to becoming a criminologist has been shaped by a strong desire to understand and address crime in society. Through academic study and professional experience, I have developed a deeper understanding of criminological theories and their practical applications.

Social Learning Theory remains my preferred framework due to its relevance and applicability in real-world contexts. It provides valuable insights into the causes of crime and supports effective prevention strategies.

In my professional role, I apply criminological knowledge to analyze behavior, support rehabilitation, and contribute to policy development. This work is supported by a range of skills, including critical thinking, communication, and digital literacy.

Overall, becoming a criminologist is a continuous learning process. It requires dedication, adaptability, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.

References (Sample – AU Harvard Style)

Bandura, A. (1977) Social Learning Theory. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.

Becker, H. (1963) Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. New York: Free Press.

Siegel, L. (2018) Criminology: Theories, Patterns and Typologies. 13th edn. Boston: Cengage Learning.