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Critical criminology and the social sciences
This free course, Critical criminology and the social sciences, will provide you with an insight into some of the main disciplines within the social sciences, focusing in particular on critical criminology. It will begin by outlining some of the defining characteristics of the social science disciplines of psychology, law, sociology and critical criminology. Using the global financial crisis of 2007-8 as a case study, the course will then provide you with an insight into how academics working in some of these different disciplinary backgrounds make sense of a similar topic in different ways. The course will conclude by considering the place of critical criminology within the social sciences.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- outline the scope and nature of some of the key disciplines in the social sciences
- identify the core features of critical criminology
- explain how aspects of the social world might be explored from different disciplinary perspectives
- understand how critical criminology relates to other social sciences.
First Published: 27/03/2019
Updated: 03/04/2020
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One of the standout aspects of this course was its emphasis on critical thinking and its application to real-world issues. As someone working in security analysis, I found the critical approach to criminology particularly relevant. It helped me analyze complex security situations with a more informed and critical lens, taking into account the broader social, economic, and political factors at play.
The course content was well-structured and comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics within critical criminology. From examining power dynamics to exploring the social construction of crime, each module added a layer of insight that I could directly apply to my work. The inclusion of case studies and contemporary examples further enriched my learning experience.
Additionally, the instructors were highly knowledgeable and engaged, providing valuable insights and fostering thought-provoking discussions. Their expertise in critical criminology and their ability to connect it to real-world scenarios was truly commendable.
Overall, "Critical Criminology and the Social Sciences" has not only expanded my professional skillset but also broadened my perspective on security analysis in the Ethiopian context. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of criminology and its relevance in the social sciences, especially those working in security-related fields like mine. It's an investment that pays off in both knowledge and practical application.