Understanding Corruption (958M9)
Understanding Corruption
Module 958M9
Module details for 2025/26.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
To fight corruption effectively, we first need to understand it. This module will equip you with the vital knowledge and analytical skills you need to independently explore the problem of corruption around the globe in both developed and developing country contexts.
We will explore how the sub-discipline approaches defining, measuring, and explaining corruption. For each element, you will be encouraged to look critically at the conceptual and theoretical debates and develop your own views on the value and appropriateness of each.
The module incorporates five special topics, which will introduce you to a range of research interests presented by the broader faculty. These range from investigating corruption in sport, business, and politics to engaging with the more critical accounts of the functioning of the so-called “anti-corruption industry” and the corruption sub-discipline itself.
What you'll learn
• The debates surrounding the definition and conceptualisation of corruption and the impact these have had on corruption studies.
• The various approaches to quantifying/ measuring corruption and how innovations in this area are responding to critiques of traditional approaches.
• The range of theoretical approaches to explaining corruption in context and the strengths and limitations of each.
Module learning outcomes
Arm students with the analytical tools suitable for conceptualising and critically evaluating different types of corruption.
Critically analyse the socio-economic and cultural contexts that prompt differing types of corrupt activity
Critically evaluate the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies propagated by international organisations and national governments.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (2000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 2 Thu 16:00 | 40.00% |
| Essay (4000 words) | Winter Vacation Week 2 Thu 16:00 | 60.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111011111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Rebecca Dobson Phillips
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/307972
Dr Hannah Richter
Assess convenor
/profiles/341320
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