Admission requirements
Only students admitted to the master’s programme in Comparative Criminal Justice are eligible to take this course.
Description
In this course, students prepare for their master’s thesis by writing a comprehensive research proposal. They are supported in this process by the course coordinator and thesis supervisors. The research proposal includes a review of relevant literature on a criminal justice topic, identifies knowledge gaps, presents a theoretical framework, and outlines the project’s intended contribution. Students also design a suitable methodological approach that incorporates a comparative perspective.
Lectures and group sessions provide a platform for students to present and discuss their ideas. Active participation is required and essential for developing a strong research plan that forms the foundation of the thesis.
Course objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Critically review and synthesize literature on a topic involving a comparative analysis of criminal justice practice, policy or law;
Formulate a clear and relevant research question or problem statement addressing a gap in existing knowledge;
Identify an appropriate and feasible methodological approach to answer the research question;
Reflect on the ethical considerations and strengths and limitations of their proposed research approach.
Employability and (academic) career
Throughout this course, students develop academic writing and research skills that are directly transferable to the labor market. While these skills are directly transferrable to the labor market, they are particularly valuable for students interested in academic or research-intensive careers.
Group sessions offer students the opportunity to present their work, receive and provide peer feedback, and learn from one another’s approaches and perspectives.
Timetable
Check MyTimetable.
Mode of instruction
The course consists of two lectures and three group meetings, each focusing on a specific component of the proposal: (1) the research question, (2) the theoretical framework and literature review, and (3) the methodological approach. Active participation is expected.
Lectures
Number of (2 hour) lectures: 2
Names of lecturers: dr. B. C. M. van Hazebroek
Required preparation by students: see Brightspace
Other methods of instruction
Description: Group supervision
Number of (2 hour) group supervisions: 3
Names of instructors: t.b.d.
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
Submission of assignments and active participation in the group supervisions (pass/fail)
Research proposal of 4000-5000 words (pass/fail)
Submission procedures
All assignments are submitted via Turnitin (Brightspace).
Both components must receive a ‘pass’ to complete the course successfully. If not, the final registered grade will not exceed a 5.This course must be successfully completed before enrolling in ‘Master Thesis: Criminal Justice’.Resit opportunities are available for all assessment components. Partial grades remain valid through the following academic year. An exception applies when the course content, objectives, structure, or assessment has been changed. In such cases, the course coordinator may declare earlier results invalid for didactic reasons. This will be indicated in the course description for the relevant academic year.
Reading list
Bachman, R.D. & Schutt, R.K. (2014). Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3rd ed.). SAGE.Recommended:
Katz, L. (2018). Critical thinking and persuasive writing for postgraduates. Palgrave.
Nygaard, L. P. (2017). Writing your master's thesis: From A to Zen. SAGE.
Wallace, M., & Wray, A. (2016). Critical reading and writing for postgraduates. SAGE.
Wincup, E. (2017). Criminological research: Understanding qualitative methods (2nd ed.). SAGE.
Registration
Registration for courses and exams takes place via MyStudymap. If you do not have access to MyStudymap (guest students), look here (under the Law-tab) for more information on the registration procedure in your situation.
Contact
Coordinator: dr. B.C.M. van Hazebroek
Availability: Monday till Friday, through the secretariat
Telephone: 071 – 527 7871 / 527 7872 / 527 7462
E-mail: criminologie@law.leidenuniv.nl
Institution/division
Institute: Criminal Law and Criminology
Department: Criminology
Opening hours: 9.00 to 16.00
Telephone secretariat: 071 – 527 7462
Room number: B3.11
E-mail: criminologie@law.leidenuniv.nl