LW0JS: Justice and Society

Module code: LW0JS

Module provider: School of Law

Credits: 20

Level: F

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Jo Phoenix , email: j.b.m.phoenix@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 11 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This course aims to help students develop a sociological understanding of the ways that justice functions. As such, it focuses on the meanings of justice and punishment and how ideas about justice and punishment have been shaped, constructed, and theorized about.

Specific topics may change on a yearly basis.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the definitions of justice.
2. Apply definitions of justice to historic and contemporary examples.
3. Formulate criminological arguments clearly and succinctly and draw appropriate conclusions.
4. Evaluate the awareness of the role of justice in society.

Module content

What is justice?  Historic roots of justice.  What is punishment?  The nature of social justice.  The nature of injustice.  Fairness.  Inequality.  Criminal justice systems.  Gender and justice.  Race and justice.    Critical debates in justice and society.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

There will be a 2-hour lecture per week per subject (total 22 hours), ten 2-hour workshops weekly (total 20 hours).  

In the workshops there will be a focus on formative activities (for example including debates and group presentations) which the students will need to prepare in advance and bring to the relevant workshop. We will be encouraging questions and peer review from the observing students. There is an expectation of whole-class participation.  

Study hours

At least 42 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.