M.A. in Criminology and Police Science through Distance Mode

The Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education (DD & CE), Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, offers M.A. in Criminology and Police Science. Admissions are made in regular and calendar year. Application form and prospectus can be had in POST from the directorate by sending a Demand Draft (Rs.125/-) drawn in favour of "The Registrar, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University" payable at Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu mentioning the name and address, course, at the back side of the draft along with a requisition letter addressed to THE DIRECTOR, DD &CE, MANONMANIAM SUNDARANAR UNIVERSITY, ABISHEKAPATTI, TIRUNEVELI 627 012, TAMIL NADU.

 Interested candidates may also directly contact Dr. G. Rajaram, Director, DD & CE, M.S.U., Tirunelveli. Phone : 0462 - 2321614, 2321620, during office hours.

Email : distance@sancharnet.in Website : http://www.msuniversitytvl.net

 AN OVERVIEW OF THE MASTERS PROGRAMME IN CRIMINOLOGY AND POLICE SCIENCE, OFFERED BY THE MANONMANIAM SUNDARANAR UNIVERSITY, TIRUNELVELI THROUGH DISTANCE MODE
Introduction:

At the public and political levels, increasing attention is being paid to developments in the field of Criminology and Police Science. A distance education curriculum in this field would enable professionals representing criminal justice system and students representing a variety of disciplines. To date, anyone who wants to study Criminology and Police Science had to travel to Chennai in Tamil Nadu or major cities in other states, at considerable expense, and study for two years. This new programme will allow students to stay in their own states and receive the same, or better, training at a fraction of the cost. The Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University is in a good position to address the above-mentioned aspects, especially with a good curriculum easily understandable by the students who do their Masters’ in distance education mode.

 Abstract of the Syllabus 

Year I 

 Year II 

 Syllabus of this Programme

Principles of Criminology:

          This paper introduces the learner to the field of criminology by reviewing the historical underpinnings of the modern-day study of crime and criminals, examining the theoretical causes of crime and criminality, and studying society's responses to crime and its perpetrators. Students are introduced to the major schools of thought on crime and develop their relevancy to the present day. An analysis of crime and delinquency in a changing society with special emphasis on sociological factors contributing to the problem is provided in the paper. It also gives attention to the control, prevention, and treatment of aspects of law-violating behaviour. The nature and extent of delinquency; UN convention of the Rights of the child and UN standard minimum rules of Juvenile justice are studied to give a basic understanding of the juvenile justice system.

In this paper students acquire knowledge and skills related to the development of modern criminological thought and the integration of theory and practice in the field of criminology. This paper includes a critical examination of crime theories, crime statistics and selected topologies.  The methods and techniques of course delivery may vary from the use of case studies, group discussion, and video presentation. This paper is essential to the programme as it provides students an opportunity to further develop their critical thinking skills with respect to crime causation and other specific criminal justice issues.  As well, this course serves as a foundation for the study and application of applied criminology.  

 Judiciary, Criminal law and Procedure:

The paper covers a range of topics which include besides normative issues as e.g.  criminal law.  Knowledge of substantial and procedural criminal law is required as is necessary historical knowledge as e.g. the historical development of criminal law. A study of the criminal law as it relates to specific property crimes and crimes against persons gives particular attention to the elements of each offence and to the procedures essential for successful prosecution.

 Police Administration and Investigation:

This is an introductory paper in police science designed to provide the student with a theoretical knowledge in addition to a realistic understanding of the history and mission of law enforcement. This paper is designed to introduce the basic principles and practices of police department organisation and management. Emphasis is centred on administrative and leadership functions associated with the management of law enforcement agencies in particular areas dealing with concepts and procedures in police planning and research, training, personnel management, budgeting, discipline, police operations and technical services.

This paper in police science is designed to provide the student a brief review of the criminal justice process including the legal rules governing police practices and procedures with emphasis in areas of arrest, search and seizure. This paper is designed to present basic materials in achieving operational effectiveness in the essential missions of investigative work and the development of useful attitudes, which are the foundation for the growth of investigative ability. In addition, it is also intended to stimulate and develop an understanding of what is meant by criminal investigation and familiarise the student with selected technical methods and services available in the field of criminal investigation.

 Penology and Correctional Administration:

          In the paper on Penology and Correctional Administration, aspects such as sentencing, punishment, corrective aspects of the criminal justice system as well as offender rights are addressed. Students are sensitised towards the fact that arrested, detained and accused persons have certain rights and must be treated with dignity and respect. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate various aspects of the Indian correctional system.  In order to understand the present and future state of correction, a contextual historical analysis of corrections is provided. 

 Primary emphasis is placed upon correctional strategies in India and their subsequent implementation and outcomes (i.e., prison, parole, probation, community corrections, and surveillance measures). This paper presents an extensive examination of the organisation and operation of correctional, probation and parole agencies as particular segments of the Indian criminal justice system. Students study corrections, probation and parole from a variety of standpoints including historical and philosophical foundations, the theoretical concerns that the options present, as well as the practical aspects of those services. Other topics include a review of community-based corrections, options for treatment and inter- mediate sanctions, issues surrounding court orders and pre-sentence reports, and an examination of correctional and probation and parole officers' professional roles, and the legal decisions affecting practice in this field.

 Forensic Science:

Forensic Science is not limited to criminal investigations. In its widest sense it includes consumer and environmental protection, as well as, murder, robbery, arson, explosives, fraud, illicit drugs and poisoning. The Forensic science paper has been developed in close collaboration with the forensic experts and senior forensic scientists teach this paper and provide exposure to real life situations. This collaboration is invaluable for instruction in the collection and preservation of samples from the scenes of crime as evidence to be used in a court of law, which enables the students to understand the nuances of medico legal aspect of crimes.

This paper gives an overview and insight into the field of forensics. It outlines the breadth of forensic investigation and analysis and puts it into the context of the crime scene. Students will obtain an understanding of the problems and procedures encountered in crime scene investigations and the significance of proper documentation. The importance of collection and preservation of evidence without contamination is discussed. This paper provides an introduction to both the collection and preservation of evidence from the scene of crime, as well as, basic chemical, physical and biomedical scientific skills. DNA analysis is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most important aspects of forensic science. This paper will provide an exciting and dynamic introduction to the specialist practical tools needed in biological forensic science. Here, techniques such as DNA profiling, DNA extraction are explored in the context of typical examples of physical forensic evidence.

 Forensic Medicine:

The Forensic medicine paper has been developed in close collaboration with the forensic medicine experts and senior doctors from the forensic medicine department teach this paper and provide exposure to real life situations. This paper begins with an overview of the field of Forensic Medicine.  This includes discussion of the history of forensic medicine. Also discussed are the roles of medical examiners, coroners, police and of non-physician medico-legal death investigators.  General principles of crime scene investigation are introduced.   Instruction then moves to the science behind forensic medicine.  Topics in this section include post-mortem changes, sudden natural death, blunt-force injury, sharp-force injury, ballistics, and gun shot wounds. Also taught here are asphyxiation, drowning, thermal injuries, electrical injuries and lightening injuries. 

          Topics covered in this paper include the examination and identification of bones, stains etc. medicolegal purification, mummification, saponification of person living and dead parts, bones, stains etc., forms of Death; Causes, agencies, onset etc. Assaults, wounds, injuries and death by violence. Asphyxial death, blood examination, blood stains, seminal stains, Burns, scalds, lightning stroke etc. Starvation, pregnancy, delivery, abortion, infanticide. Sexual crimes, Insanity in relation to the state, life and accident insurance. Students also learn about forensic medicine aspects of motor vehicle accidents, explosions and bombs, and mass fatalities.  This paper covers use of fingerprinting, trace evidence analysis and DNA analysis in conducting medico-legal investigations. 

 Cyber Crime:

In continuation of its endeavour to introduce innovative papers, the Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education of the M.S. University is introducing a paper related to Cyber crimes and Cyber Laws, as a part of the Master’s programme in Criminology and Police science. The paper was designed to provide adequate knowledge of Cyber Laws approved by the Parliament in October 2000.

The Information Technology Act 2000 sets the framework for non-Internet transactions involving computer generated documents and communication. With the digital signature given a legal status due to the gaining importance of e-commerce, the paper is designed to address the needs of professionals and students to understand the legal set up and also the legal personnel to gain an understanding of digital signatures and security aspects of e-commerce transactions. This paper will also define the scope of what constitutes a Computer Crime and what are the provisions envisaged in the Act to punish Cyber Criminals. 

 Victimology and Human Rights:

The objective of this paper is to introduce the student to the study of Victimology. Victimology focuses on the scientific study of crime victims, the direct physical, social, emotional and financial costs of crime, analysis of contemporary victim-assistance and victim compensation programs. Victims' involvement with the police and the criminal justice system, retribution for crime victims, available support services for these victims as well as victims' rights are also extensively covered. Although India does not have a Bill of Victims Rights, these rights as it is embraced in other countries are brought to the attention of students. The emotional and practical needs of crime victims, as well as their need for information, are also discussed in detail.

This paper also examines the various relationships of police, courts, advocates, and other agencies such as the media with the crime victim. This paper give a theoretical foundation of victimology as a social science of victims of human right violations including crime and it will look at different current developments in the field of victim assistance, crisis intervention and coping theory, prevention of victimisation, practical programs of restorative justice, improvements for victims in the criminal justice process, victims in the international area of social and criminal politics, UN manual of implementation of the UN Declaration on basic Principles of Justice for Victims of crime and Abuse of Power, victims in the UN tribunals.