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This module aims to introduce the study of crime and disorder as it evolved across the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, although the main focus will always be on the latter. In particular, the module explores points of intersection between crime, social crime and more overt forms of social protest. Through a series of case studies students will gain knowledge of some of the changing notions of crime and punishment and of the historical debates surrounding them. Within this context the rise of a ‘professional’ police force will be considered, as will important questions of the gendering of crime.

Mainly adopting the approach of 'history from below' this module explores the relationship between crime, social crime, protest and authoritarian responses to disorder from the mid seventeenth century onwards. This timeframe will permit important comparisons to be made across the early modern and modern periods. Through these comparisons the intention is to explore the various ways in which the experience of hierarchy and subordination was negotiated through criminal acts of social disorder.

In particular attention will be paid to the interaction between crime, custom and social conflict. Taking a case study approach, we will engage with a range of debates and forms social crime took. Topics will vary from year to year and will draw on the full range of social crime, including: riot (mainly anti-enclosure and food), poaching, wrecking, threatening letters, rick burning and cattle maiming. An additional, but no less important potential topic is that of the question of the gendering of crime.

A parallel theme will be the developing response to these hegemonic challenges with consideration being given to themes such as the changing ‘theatre’ of punishment, the ‘old’ and ‘new’ police force and the rise of the policeman state.

Then intention here, then is that through these studies students will consider ways in which gender, class, and ideology intersect with the social, cultural and political constructions of law, crime and punishment in England as these evolved across the modern and early modern periods.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate current understanding of the different manifestations and debates surrounding social crime and criminal acts of disorder across the early modern and modern periods.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the selected themes of crime punishment and policing
3. Evaluate definitions and explanations of the forms disorder took in the early modern and modern periods
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the perspective from below on structures of authority
5. Demonstrate further development of research and critical analysis skills

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.