Module code: SAC4026-B
The influence on media upon everyday life has grown expeditiously over the past few decades, creating new and emerging narratives around the impact crime has upon society. Moreover, media reporting of crime and deviant behaviour has helped to shape attitudes towards risk, harm and abuse, which in turn contributes to pressures on government, policy and law makers to rethink what behaviour is acceptable. This module will allow students to navigate such complex ideas and influences, providing them with the knowledge to critically think about the role of media - news, film, music, books, adverts etc., upon attitudes towards crime. The module will introduce relevant theory and key concepts, as well as examine historical influences of media on understandings and attitudes towards crime. Moreover, the module will consider the impact of the media on perceptions of perpetrators and victims, introducing notions of 'deserving' offenders and victims. This module is part of a series of three modules in the first year that outlines that context for the study of criminology. This particular module helps the student distinguish between popular and media depictions of crime and the academic study of crime. Download the PDF for SAC4026-B_2025_6.pdf