Wang Center for Global Education

Crime and Punishment in the United Kingdom

Course Description:

The U.S. criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections) has its roots in the 19th century model developed in the United Kingdom.  Our professional police force was modeled after London's "Bobbies," our contemporary investigative techniques and rationales have their origins in the work of Scotland Yard, our prisons were influenced by the ideas of Jeremy Bentham and our judicial system is based on English common law.  Crime and PUnishment in the United Kingdom provides us with the opportunity to spend J-term in England and Scotland learning about crime, policing and corrections to better understand the historical roots and cultural context of our contemporary traditions.  To do this, we'll visit prison and policing museums, tour both Victorian-Era prisons and cutting-edge modern prisons, attend Crown Court proceedings and sit in on criminal justice lectures at Nottingham Trend University.


Faculty Leader
Dr. Joanna Gregson, Professor of Sociology,
253-535-7397 or gregsojq@plu.edu and
Dr. Kate Luther, Assistant Professor of Sociology,
253-535-7593 or lutherke@plu.edu

Through meetings with U.K. criminal justice officials, we'll also learn about current controversies regarding policing, courts and corrections.  Similar to the U.S., there are many challenges in the U.K. regarding public perception of resource allocation, retribution and rehabilitation.  To further explore these issues, student teams will conduct research to better understand public perception of the U.K. Criminal Justice System. 


The U.K. is also home to some of the most notorious criminal cases (e.g. Jack the Ripper) and popular fictional crime accounts (e.g. Sherlock Holmes), making the setting perfect for our exploration of crime and punishment.

Course Objective:

  • Develop an awareness of the historical and cultural context of modern criminal justice systems in the U.S. and U.K.
  • Compare the contemporary models of criminal justice in the U.S. and U.K, including challenges, resource allocation, politics and public perception.
  • Think critically about race, class and gender-based inequalities in the criminal justice system.
  • Work cooperatively in teams as we travel throughout the U.K.

Course Credit:

SOCI 387.  Upper-division elective in Sociology. Upper-division Social Sciences Gen Ed.

Program Fee:

$5,125. Includes airfare, lodging, program-related transportation and entrance fees, and supplemental study abroad insurance.  Does not include meals.  PLU reserves the right to add a surcharge in response to unanticipated price increase.

These estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee.  Actual expenses may vary according to student interests, individual needs, and spending habits.

  • Passport (new) = $110 / Passport (renewal) = $135
  • Visa fees (required for some non-US passport holders) = varies
  • Pre-travel evaluation at the PLU Health Center = $45 *All students are required to visit either the PLU Health Center or a personal healthcare provider to achieve the proper medical clearance.  Be aware that other medical providers may charge additional fees that may result in high costs than the PLU Health Center.
  • Immunizations = $0 to several hundred dollars **Vaccination needs vary on destination and individual medical history and may be costly.
  • Airline baggage fees = approximately $25 for each checked bag
  • Books, supplies, course materials = varies
  • Cost of meals not included in program fee - varies
  • Cell phone and usage fees = varies
  • Personal expenses = approximately $600.  Check with your faculty leader for an accurate estimate for your destination.

Application Deadline:

April 13, 2012. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required with the application. A $250.00 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation in the course is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance. Maximum of 18 students.

Contact
Wang Center for Global Education
253-535-7577
253-535-8752 (Fax)
868 Wheeler Street
Tacoma, WA 98447-0003