The aim of this course is for the student to deepen their knowledge of evaluation methodologies, where the focus for these evaluations is relevant for questions within the field of criminology. The course shall expand the students’ ability to critically assess the effects of strategies and measures with relevance for the field of criminology, as well as critically analyse the evaluations of these strategies and measures.

The course begins with an introduction to different types of evaluation design and methodology, which involves discussions of evaluation designs, general and specifically, applicable to criminological relevant organizations. The course also presents examples of several classic evaluations and preventative strategies where evaluation design and implementation is assessed and related to achievable effects.

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. describe the different evaluation designs and methods,

2. critically examine the existing evaluations of preventative strategies and measures,

3. portray how the results from evaluations can be implemented and used as a resource, and

4. design an evaluation project.

The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, seminars and peer-review assignments.

The course assignments are assessed both orally, in the form of seminars, and in the form of an individually written essay.

The course participants shall develop a hypothetical evaluation project of a societal organizational program within the working field of criminology. To receive a Passing Grade (C, D or E) it is required that the student fulfill the learning outcomes by taking part in seminars and lectures, attending oral presentations of group work and individual assignments. Achievement of the Grade of Distinction (A or B) requires that the examined course work is characterized by originality and meta-theoretical understanding.

Right to re-examination

A student who fails to achieve a passing grade in the course examination will be given the opportunity to be re-examined twice according to same course content and with the same requirements. In addition, students also have the right to be examined on the same course the next time the course is offered according to the same regulations. If the course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student has a right to re-examination on two occasions within one year, based on the syllabus that was in place at the time the student registered for the course. Examination and re-examination take place at the times specified in the schedule.

Pawson, R and Tilley, N. Realistic Evaluation. London: Sage publications. 1997. 250 p.

Stufflebeam, D. L. & Anthony J Shinkfield, A. J. (2011). Evaluation Theory, Models, and Applications. John Wiley & Sons Inc. p. 768.

Additional articles from scientific journals will also be included.

The course coordinator is responsible for ensuring that a summary course evaluation is conducted at the end of the course. The coordinator will relay these results to the students at a prearranged time. Memory notes from the feedback, including proposals for changes to the course, will be documented and made available on the course website, and will also be relayed to the students who begin the course the next time it is given.