12078 - Sociology of Deviance

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the sociological study of deviance and delinquency. By the end of the course students will be able to appraise the contribution of the theoretical frameworks analysed to our understanding of crime and deviance.

Course contents

The first part of the program concerns the relationships between the sociology of deviance and the other human sciences putting into evidence the existence of different and sometimes opposing paradigms. Afterwards we will examine the historical and developing aspect of this discipline in order to focus our attention on the specific theoretical contributions which have fostered a debate in the criminological field.

Within this historical excursus, some aspects about the crime dynamics will be illustrated with a particular reference to the interaction between the offender and the victim.

The course is divided into two learning modules: the first (40 hours) will be held by prof. Sandra Sicurella and the second (20 hours) will be held by prof. Simone Tuzza. Despite this subdivision, the structure of the course is to be considered unitary.

Socio-criminological theories, thematic insights and participatory activities will be present in both modules.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Balloni A., Bisi R., Sette R., Criminologia e psicopatologia forense, Wolters Kluwer, Milano, 2019 (da escludere i seguenti capitoli: XIII, XIV e XV).

Ceretti A., Cornelli C., Oltre la paura. Affrontare il tema della sicurezza in modo democratico, Feltrinelli, Milano, 2018.

Teaching methods

Lectures, videos and class group presentation.

Despite the fact that it is not compulsory, course attendance is highly recommended to participate in activities in the classroom.

Assessment methods

The final exam aims to verify the achievement of the following goals:

1) knowledge of the main criminological theories;

2) the ability to use these theories in order to analyze crime.

For attending students: two mid-term written tests. Each test includes a multiple choice quiz (10 questions: right answer +1; wrong answer 0) and two open questions (0-10 points).

Official sessions: oral final exam on the book by Ceretti e Cornelli.

Attending students with insufficient intermediate tests will adopt the exam methods provided for non-attending students

For not-attending students, the exam will consist in a written text (4 open questions - max. 7.5 points for each answer) on the tests proposed (bibliography).

The time available for the written test is 90 minutes.

During the test, the use of supporting material such as: textbooks, notes, computer supports is not allowed.

The test is passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

It is possible to view the written test and ask for clarification during office hours.

In both cases, the evaluation criterion of the written test will be the same and aimed at verifying the acquisition of knowledge and critical analysis.

 

Teaching tools

PC and videoprojector. Web resources.

During lectures, the professor will use Power Point presentations that will be published on the website: https://iol.unibo.it

These documents do not substitute the compulsory reading materials, but they are supplementary and constitute a study guide to help gain a better understanding of the course contents.

Office hours

See the website of Sandra Sicurella

See the website of Simone Tuzza