02513 - Criminology

Learning outcomes

The objective of this course is the acquisition of the main concepts of criminological theory. This is directed both at the professional competence of those who wish to work in the area of deviance and social control, and at the preparation of those who intend to go on to a specialization in criminal law and socio-criminological research.

Course contents

This is a course in the sociology of social control and deviance. The course is about processies, strategies, institutions and theories of social control and deviance, as these have been developing in Europe and the United States. A State-centered model, belonging in the European tradition, will be compared and contrasted with a concept of social control proper, emerging from twentieth-century American social sciences. On such historical and conceptual backdrop, we will then proceed to a reconstruction of the main theories in the sociology of deviance and criminology, and in the sociology of punishment. Specific instances of crucial criminological research will also be discussed.  

Erasmus students are welcome during the professor's office hours (see "Office Hours") for questions concerning the program and procedures of the examination and for any other matter of interest. (Please note that certificates of attendance will be handed out only to those students who have attended and passed the exam).

Readings/Bibliography

For all the students, there are two texts (but see in class for distinction of attendees and non-attendees):

The first one, for everybody:

Dario Melossi, Stato, controllo sociale, devianza: teorie criminologiche e società  tra Europa e Stati Uniti, Bruno Mondadori, Milano, 2002, pp. 1-306.

As to the second, you may choose one of the two following texts:

Tullio Bandini, Uberto Gatti, Barbara Gualco, Daniela Malfatti, Maria Ida Marugo, Alfredo Verde, Criminologia, second edition (2003), First Volume, Giuffrè, Milano (pp.1-439), chapters 2, 5, 6, 7, and either 3 or 4.

Dario Melossi, Massimo Pavarini, Carcere e fabbrica, il Mulino, Bologna, 2018, pp.1-334.

Teaching methods

Course attendance is recommended.

Those who regularly attend the course will be admitted to one of the seminars offered. Contents, dates and meeting places for the seminars will be announced during the first few weeks of the course. Those who will have successfully attended the seminar will be attributed two extra credits, or will have a reduction in the exam program

Assessment methods

Examinations are oral examinations (except for the seminars' assessment). Also, please note that "certificates of attendance" will be handed out only to those students who have attended the course and obtained at least a "pass" grade at the exam.

Only those students who have already passed the examination in Criminal Law will be admitted to taking the exam in Criminology (this however does not apply to "Erasmus" or "Overseas" students).

Teaching tools

The course of Criminologia will be coordinated with the Seminars of Criminologia.

Office hours

See the website of Dario Melossi