74927 - Sociology of Deviance and Criminology

Learning outcomes

The educational objective of the course is to provide a conceptual introduction to the sociological study of deviance, useful for better understanding the changes that have taken place within contemporary culture, with particular reference to the analysis of criminal phenomena. In this perspective, the contribution provided by the main criminological theories will be decisive, through a course that will illustrate their formation and subsequent transformation in different eras and contexts. Knowledge of these theoretical contributions will provide students with the cultural background necessary for the critical evaluation of the evolution of crime and deviance. At the end of the course, students will: - know the fundamental concepts of criminology with reference to the main theories; - know the tools for analyzing criminal phenomena and the general investigative techniques and strategies, including for the protection of victims; - know the tools for understanding the dynamics of criminal behavior and the relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior; - possess victimological knowledge focusing on the effects of crime on victims and the most appropriate methods for reducing them, focusing on the importance, for those involved in victim support in various capacities, of the ability to build relationships and interpret reality in a critical and innovative way.

Course contents

The course aims to analyze key theoretical and conceptual contributions within the sociology of deviance, the sociology of law, and criminology. Particular attention is paid to sanctioning processes and the factors influencing an individual's adoption of deviant or criminal conduct within a specific social context (labeling processes - in particular with regard to young people). In this regard, the course will focus specifically on the prison—or penitentiary—examining its dynamics through the lens of the "total institution" concept, as well as the meanings and purposes (both manifest and latent) of this form of penal practice.

Meanwhile, the course will focus on the figure of the crime victim, social injustices, and violations of fundamental rights, aiming to explore the dynamics and social roots of victimization processes in today’s hyper-complex societies. In particular, specific forms of victimization will be discussed, partly to reveal the power mechanisms that drive heightened political, media, and judicial attention to them during specific historical, political, and cultural periods.

The course will take place during the SECOND SEMESTER

Readings/Bibliography

For the exam to be prepared:

A- FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS:

1) F. Prina, Devianza e criminalità. Concetti, metodi di ricerca, cause, politiche, Carocci editore, Roma, 2019

2) S. Sicurella, S. Vezzadini (a cura di), Vittimologia. Vittime, processi di vittimizzazione e contesto sociale, Mondadori Università, Milano, 2026

3) F. Pomes, Trovate la speranza o voi che entrate. Il carcere tra pena e possibilità, Pendragon, Bologna, 2026 (to be read with attention) 

 

B - FOR NON ATTENDING STUDENTS

1) F. Prina, Devianza e criminalità. Concetti, metodi di ricerca, cause, politiche, Carocci editore, Roma, 2019

2) S. Sicurella, S. Vezzadini (a cura di), Vittimologia. Vittime, processi di vittimizzazione e contesto sociale, Mondadori Università, Milano, 2026

3) S. Crocitti, R. Selmini, Bande e gruppi giovanili di strada. Prospettive teoriche, approcci interdisciplinari e ricerca empirica, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2025

4) S. Tuzza, Criminologia pop. Media, immaginari e narrazioni (true) crime, Mondadori Università, Milano, 2026

5) F. Pomes, Trovate la speranza o voi che entrate. Il carcere tra pena e possibilità, Pendragon, Bologna, 2026 (to be read with attention)

 

C- FOR ERASMUS/OVERSEAS STUDENTS ONLY:

- F. P. Williams, M.D. McShane, Criminological Theory, Pearson College Div. 2017, 7 ed.

- G. M. Sykes, D. Matza, Techniques of Neutralization: A Theory of Delinquency, American Sociological ReviewVol. 22, No. 6 (Dec., 1957) [https://www.jstor.org/stable/i336385]

- N. Christie N., “Victim Movements at a Crossroad”, in Punishment & society, Vol. 12, Issue 2, 2010, pp. 115 - 122.

- L. Chouliaraki, The Mediation of suffering and the vision of a cosmopolitan public, Television &new media, 9 (5), 2008, pp. 371-391

Teaching methods

Lectures, classroom discussions, documentary film screenings, guest speakers on specific topics

Assessment methods

The exam consists of assessments that differ in part for students who attend classes and those who do not.

1- Exam for attending students: At the end of the first part of the course, an in-class written exam will be held, consisting of three open-ended questions (plus one requiring personal reflection) based on specific topics covered in class, the *Manuale di Sociologia della devianza* (textbook by F. Prina), and the text on the prison system by F. Pomes. The exam will last two hours; students will be provided with paper on which to write their answers by hand (computers are not permitted). The second part of the course—covering victimology topics and the *Manuale di Vittimologia* (edited by Sicurella and Vezzadini)—will be the subject of an oral exam (scheduled during the exam session dates published on Almaesami). Naturally, only students who achieve a grade of at least 18/30 on the first written part will be eligible to take the oral exam for the second part.

The final grade will be the sum of the two "partial" grades (written and oral), though attendance and participation in class discussions will be taken into account to potentially improve the final result. Attendance is expected for at least two-thirds of the course, ensuring coverage of the entire syllabus and the diverse range of topics addressed.

2- Exam for non-attending students and Erasmus/Overseas students: The exam is oral and covers the entire syllabus.

Teaching tools

Documents, articles etc on the Virtuale platform

Office hours

See the website of Susanna Vezzadini