12078 - Sociology of Deviance

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student: - he knows the main theories in the field of deviance and crime; - he knows the main research in the field of deviance and crime; - he knows the latest developments in theoretical and empirical research; - he knows the influence of environmental variables in the structuring of the phenomenon; - he is competently able to identify and analyze the phenomena of delinquency and crime, describing the structure and conditions of occurrence; - he knows the main intervention and evaluation programs in the field of deviance and crime; - he knows the sources of data and information and he is able to use competently such data; - he is able to collect and analyze the documentation and data related to social phenomena linked to delinquency and crime.

Course contents

In the first part of the course the students will be introduced to the main theories in the field of deviance and crime, starting with the classical theories, such as social disorganization theory, strain theory, conflict theory, up to the latest theories, such rational choice theory and social control theory.
In the second part of the course it will be provided an overview of the main themes of empirical research, such as suicide, the use of legal and illegal substances, prostitution, property crimes, violent crimes and economic crimes. In the final part of the course, the focus will be on the main methods used to measure and classify the criminal phenomena, and on the role played by certain forms of crime prevention, such as early prevention, social prevention and situational prevention.

Readings/Bibliography

- Barbagli, M., Colombo, A. e Savona, E., Sociologia della devianza, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2003.

- Vidoni Guidoni, O., La criminalità, Roma, Carocci, 2004.

- Barbagli, M. e Gatti, U., Prevenire la criminalità, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2005.

Teaching methods

Face-to-face lessons on all subjects of the course using slide projections.

Assessment methods

Distance written examination. Erasmus students can choose to take oral exam - in Italian language - instead of written exam.

Teaching tools

During the course, research reports and statistical data of recent trends of social deviance and criminality will be used.

Office hours

See the website of Pasquale Colloca