Media and Crime

This course will introduce you to fundamental aspects of crime and media. Topics include the theoretical analysis from criminology, sociology, media studies and cultural studies to provide a critical understanding of the relationship between media and crime, as well as the ways in which crime news are constructed and leads to feelings of fear and insecurity towards certain crimes, spaces and certain social groups.

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of theories that shape the connections between criminology and media studies
• Recognise the “media effects” debate: its origins and influence on contemporary debates about media, crime, and victimization.
• Show an understanding of distinct approaches and representations of crime by mass media and new media.
• Demonstrate knowledge on how the media approach criminal and antisocial behaviours not only in the context of the UK, Europe, and USA, but also considering the challenges faced in the Global South.
• Identify current issues faced by the media, such as discussions about fake news, user generated content and the concept of post-truth.

Teaching methods: lectures, workshops, and practical activities.

Assessment: a presentation in which students will have to analyse media representation of any aspect of the Criminal Justice System.