The objective of this module is to introduce students to the core ideas and theories of criminology, demonstrating how Irish criminal justice laws and policies are, or should be, informed by criminological ideas and research. Students will study key strands of criminological thought such as positivism, labelling, strain theory, control theory, while learning how to apply these theories in an Irish context. The module thus offers both an introduction to the discipline of criminology and a different perspective on Irish criminal law and policy to that which is offered in traditional law modules.

This module covers: An introduction to Criminology; An examination of Irish crime trends and statistics; Gender and criminality; Youth offending; Poverty, social exclusion and crime; Addiction, mental health and criminalisation; Crime prevention; Organised crime; Desistance and re-integration of offenders.

On completion of this module, students should be able to: • Describe the key schools of criminological theory. • Identify areas of Irish criminal law and policy relevant to the study of the theories examined the module. • Describe how Irish criminal justice law and policy has been or should be influenced by relevant criminological research. • Evaluate whether Irish criminal justice law and policy is appropriately evidence-based and reflects best practice in tackling the causes of crime. • Apply criminological theories and research findings to contemporary challenges within the Irish criminal justice system.

On completion of this module, students should: • Understand the multi-faceted and complex causes of crime in Ireland and the challenges posed in effectively reducing crime in this jurisdiction. • Appreciate the ways in which criminological research can inform best practice in Irish laws and policies on criminal justice.

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The module is taught through lectures and tutorials which introduce students to the core theories of criminology and identifies their relevance for Irish criminal law and policy. Students are then expected to engage in self-directed study to further explore the issues raised in class. This engagement is furthered through group discussions in tutorial settings. In introducing students to the interface between law and criminology and helping them to discover ways in which the study of criminology can enrich and strengthen their understanding of criminal law and the causes of crime, the module aims to help students in development of the UL graduate attributes. Students will become more articulate and knowledgeable by learning about the relevance of criminological theories for understanding the challenges of criminal justice as well as enhancing their collaborative skills through developing an understanding of the complex causes of crime and learning how Irish criminal law and policy can best respond. Recent developments in the area of criminological thought, along with research findings are incorporated into the module via the recommended reading, outlined in the study resources.