Sociology and Criminology

Riots, Strikes, Revolts

Module code: L2903B
Level 6
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Portfolio

The module:

• offers you the opportunity to explore riots and uprisings from a sociological and criminological perspective
• aims to give you an advanced critical understanding of specific uprisings as well as the phenomenon in general
• seeks to contextualise uprisings in terms of their significance in popular culture, as well as to provide an opportunity to examine law enforcement responses.

Discussions will be grounded in case studies of specific examples from the 20th and 21st centuries, while also highlighting patterns and key developments in their development and policing. Topics to be addressed include:

• the material conditions of uprisings
• the role of policing and law enforcement
• global patterns in revolts, uprisings and riots
• the relevance of structural inequalities, and the significance of race, gender, class, and sexuality to specific riots.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of criminological and sociological theories relating to riots, protest, and their policing.
• Analytically apply criminological theory and research findings to current debates around riot control and riots.
• Employ macro and micro scales of analysis, from global patterns in uprising and their policing to specific cases and events, and appreciate the connections between them,
• Critically evaluate key policy and law enforcement responses to uprisings in the UK and globally.