19th century history: crime and punishment

Analyse how the nineteenth century changed assumptions about crime and how it was dealt with. What effect had the first policemen and detectives? Did Bentham invent the perfect prison? Why was society obsessed with sensationalist murders like the Ripper’s?

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Key course information

Date
17/03/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HH330

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

London got its first organised police force in 1829, from which point modern methods of detection and police work evolved– how did this change society? Why were corporal punishment and the death penalty phased out in the 19th century? Why were certain new types of crime invented (covering, for example, ‘criminal behaviour’ like homosexuality)? How did the emerging discipline of psychology and the doctrine of utilitarianism shape penal law? What is the perfect prison? How was crime represented in the popular imagination? These are the kind of questions that this day course addresses.

What topics will we cover?

19th century social and cultural history of crime and punishment
The political significance of policing and the penal code
19th century theories about the efficacy of punishment, the origin of crime, etc.
The ideas discussed in Foucault’s Discipline and Punish
The popular representation of crime, policing and punishment.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

List the key 19th century changes in the area of crime and punishment
List and discuss the key theories leading to these changes
Analyse 19th century source materials.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an `introductory` course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and learning, if you are able and willing to do some supplementary reading. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, intellectual curiosity and an open mind are more important than specific levels of skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Lecture presentation, slideshow, tutor-guided group analysis of nineteenth century texts and artworks, possible use of film/documentary clips, interactive group discussion.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no necessary costs although further reading will be suggested.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HH118 19th century history: scientific innovations.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.