Victimology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course focuses on crime victims, their legal rights, their needs and how society meets these needs. The course takes its point of departure in international discussions surrounding the victims of crime which lead up to discussions based on national legal systems, mainly in Sweden. This includes comparative elements of international law (including EU law) and various national legal systems. The course offers a platform for discussing questions such as the concept of victimization, i.e. who is defined as a crime victim, what needs of support and protection victims are understood to have and how legal actors and other actors in society can offer assistance. The course also provides interdisciplinary knowledge about victimization from a behavioral and social perspective. Throughout the course specific problems in relation to victims on the basis of age, gender, class, ethnicity, sexuality and disability among others will be problematized.

All aspects of this course, including the examination, are conducted in English.

Expected learning outcomes

After having successfully completed the course, the student will have:
- Basic knowledge in different theories of victimology
- Understanding and knowledge of who is a victim of crime, their legal status, situation and needs
- Knowledge on social protection, support and redress for crime victims
- General knowledge and understanding of what distinguishes and unites different types of crime victims
 

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The teaching will essentially consist of lectures and seminars. The seminars are mandatory. Active participation by the students in analyzing and discussing arguments and trends is critical. Part­icipating students are required to carefully study all assigned texts and cases before each seminar. Further instructions on the requirements for each seminar will be handed out as the course proceeds. A student who has been accepted and registered for the course has the right to teaching and guidance only during the term/academic year when he/she was accepted and registered.

All teaching and seminars will be conducted in the English language.
 

Examination modes

Examination takes place through fulfillment of two parts, partly the compulsory course elements specified in component 1 below, partly writing a research paper specified in component 2 below.

Component 1
Active participation during compulsory seminars.
Component 2
Fulfillment of an individual research paper.

Grades
A passing grade on the activities under components 1-2 above are required to receive a passing grade for the course as a whole. For component 1 the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G) can be awarded. On the research paper the grades awarded are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG).

On the entire course, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG). The grade for the course as a whole is based on the result of the research paper and awarded after the completion of all compulsory course elements.

The appointed examiner may decide to use other forms of examination if required by particular circumstances. A student who has not received a passing grade on a test will be afforded an opportunity for re-examination. A student who has passed examination may not be re-examined. A student who has taken two tests for a course or segment of a course, without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless special reasons exist. A written request for change of examiner is submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Education.

Students who have participated in but failed a test, including essays, seminars, written and oral assignments et cetera, but not including the final written, take home or oral test of the course, have the right to do a make–up assignment in order to reach the grade Pass (but not higher grades). The student may still achieve a higher grade than Pass on the course overall, if all requirements for the grade in question are fulfilled. The make-up assignment must be completed no later than two months after the student learned of the failed grade and using the same form of examination.

Academic credit transfer
Students have the right to apply to have a previous education or experience evaluated for transfer of credits. For more information, see: www.umu.se/utbildning/antagning/tillgodoraknande