This module provides a comprehensive introduction to and looks in detail at how criminology has tried to understand the effects on global species of flora and fauna by transnational criminality. We shall look at developments in multilateral ‘state’ and non- state cooperation, criminal groups involved in environmental depletion as well as opportunities to counter threats to the environment through policing and conservation.
Students who have successfully completed this module should be able to:

1. Critically develop the attitude of deep learning, and to be able to make connections between global and local transnational criminality and the ways this endangers the environment.
2. Possess critical research skills which are needed for successful completion of dissertations in the area of environmental crimes and policing
3. Critically evaluate the capacity of criminological theory and research to explain contemporary developments in environmen tal crime and justice
4. Recognize the relevance and limits of criminological knowledge in explaining particular transnational/international crimes, and how they relate to the environment, with specific focus on transboundary smuggling; human trafficking; money laundering; transnational terrorism; state crimes and crimes against humanity, to name but a few.

(LO1) Students will be able to critically develop the attitude of deep learning, and to be able to make connections between global and local transnational criminality and the ways this endangers the environment.

(LO2) Students will develop critical research skills which are needed for successful completion of dissertations in the area of environmental crimes and policing

(LO3) Students will be able to critically evaluate the capacity of criminological theory and research to explain contemporary developments in environmental crime and justice

(LO4) Students will be able to recognize the relevance and limits of criminological knowledge in explaining particular transnational/international crimes, and how they relate to the environment, with specific focus on transboundary smuggling; human trafficking; money laundering; transnational terrorism; state crimes and crimes against humanity, and others.

(S1) Critical thinking

(S2) Communication Skills

(S3) Project/Self-management

(S4) Research Skills

Outline Syllabus:

Lecture 1: ‘Green’ criminology: An introduction
Short Introduction to the Module, and some house-keeping things to be raised: What does the module leader expect of in terms of reading and attendance? Please try and read at least one article/chapter from the following list.
Lecture 2: Environmental Crimes: Conceptions, Limitations, Alternatives
This lecture will map the key arguments for a criminology of the environment, together with the ways in which environmental criminology makes contact with, or departs, from ‘traditional’ criminology. We shall explore the limitation of applying standard criminal justice concepts and procedures to the investigation, prosecution and restoration of environmental crimes and victimization.

Lecture 3: Researching environmental crimes.
The aim of this lecture is not to provide a comprehensive overview of research methodologies and methods, but rather to concentrate on several k ey areas that are important for green criminologists as they undertake research on environmentally related topics of their choice. The lecture will consider the different, but specific, ways in which green criminology has been -or might be- conducted, including current approaches, where the studies have or may be undertaken, with whose participation and in whose interests. It will aim to show how doing environmental crimes research demands new ways of gathering and analysing data.

Lecture 4: Illegal, unregulated and undeclared fishing.
This lecture will map the extent and threats posed by illegal fishing to fishery resources, communities and the future of food security. We shall also explore the methods of illegal fishing, together with the limitations of policing initiatives aimed at curbing crimes involving fisheries and fish species. We shall also explore the limitations of standard criminal justice emphasis on legality.

Lecture 5: Illegal dumping of toxic waste.
This lecture will explore the extent, and threats posed by, illegal dumping of waste. We shall also explore the geopolitical and economic imperatives that create scope for offending. We shall explore cross-cultural examples of toxic waste ‘colonialism’, inherent in global trade regimes, and global disparities of development.

Lecture 6: Pollution.
This lecture will map cross-cultural examples of pollution, and how pollution connects with global warming and the risks with portends to life and livelihood. We shall also explore recent and historical cases of air, water and land pollution, outlining victims, perpetrators and challenges of bringing perpetrators to justice. The lecture will also shed light on ideologies of science, technology and criminal justice systems, in relation to the understanding, prevention of crimes and pursuit of justice for victims of electronic waste for example, or how pollution is embedded in modes of production and consumption in the ‘postmodern’ economy.

Lecture 7: Illegal Wildlife Trade.
This lecture will focus on the nature, and extent, of illegal wildlife trade. We shall explore the main ways in which illegal trade in wildlife occurs, the tributaries of illegal trade and consumption and the normative threats to endangered species of animals and plants, including cultural rights and myths.

Lecture 8: Poaching.
This lecture will focus on the common methods of the destruction of global flora and fauna, especial the so-called ‘blood resources’. We shall explore the connections between environmental destruction and phenomena such as conflicts, blood minerals, human trafficking, terrorism, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Lecture 9: Corporate environmental crimes.
This lecture will explore the nature of ‘incorporation’ and how this relates to crimes which affect the environment. We shall explore cross-cultural cases in which corporations h ave harmed the environment, or have been indicted for other crimes, such as state crimes and crimes against humanity, in relation to their exploration, trade or distribution behaviours.

Lecture 10: The Policing of environmental crimes.
This lecture will explore the main ways in which the global community has engaged with the threats posed by environmental crimes, and how it has sought to restore justice to those affected by environmental crimes.

Lecture 11: Revision. This lecture will map the theories, concepts and the way forward for environmental criminology. It will also involve a Q&A with students in relation to the assessment.

Hybrid - asynchronous pre-recorded lectures

Teaching Method 1: Lectures. There will be 1, one-hour lecture per week

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 1hr a week x 11 weeks (11 hours)

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: N/A

Description: There shall be one 1-hour lecture provided by the module leader, for 11 weeks.

Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2: Seminars
Face to face synchronous seminars, safety permitting.

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 1hr per week x 11 weeks (11 hours)

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: N/A

Description: There will be a one-hour seminar per week, involving student-led discussion of weekly topics.

Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 : Drop-in

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 1hr*4 sessions, scheduled on 2 weeks.

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours:

Description: There shall be 2 one-hour sessions for student support with policy analysis. In specific weeks no need to be timetabled.

Attendance Recorded: No

Mixed, hybrid delivery, with social distancing on campus,