B9055 - Crime, Punishment & Society

Learning outcomes

This is a course taught in English for those students from Law, other disciplines, Erasmus or Overseas, who are already cognizant both of the English language and of the basic concepts in Criminology, and would like to explore specific fields and topics in criminology for their own formation, for professional interests, or for preparation of final theses, such as (but not limited to): the relationships between migration, deviance and social control; the "new" prevention of crime in urban settings; the sociology of social control and punishment.

Course contents

This is a course in the sociological theories of crime and punishment. The specific object is the relationship between such theories and the broader framework of migration in the European Union. What is the connection between processes of European unification (legal, political, economic and social) and migrants' criminalization - in the two aspects of criminalization, i.e. migrants' participation in criminal behavior, and the construction of migrants as criminal subjects? Some of the theories discussed will be the ecological theory of the Chicago School, differential association theory, the theory of anomie, subcultural theories, labelling theory, and the theories of critical criminology.

Readings/Bibliography

Dario Melossi (2015), Crime, Punishment and Migration. London: SAGE.

Dario Melossi (2008), Controlling Crime, Controlling Society: Thinking About Crime in Europe and America. Cambridge (UK): Polity Press, paperback, ISBN: 9780745634296, distribution: Wiley.

Other readings shall be assigned during the course, according to the topic discussed. Almost all readings are available in “Virtuale”.

Teaching methods

Lectures, class discussions, movies, guest speakers.
During each week, there will be the presentation of the criminological topic and related theory, after which you will be watching the film linked to the topic and, then, there will be the class discussion of the topic and the film.

Assessment methods

Oral exam.
The assessment will take into account:
-the knowledge of the socio-criminological theories discussed in the course;
-the ability to connect the different theories to the study of migration;
- the ability to provide examples of the application of the theories to the study of migration, including the film;
- the ability to develop critical arguments;
- the accuracy in oral discussion, including the use of an appropriate socio-criminological language.

The grade will be derived from the evaluation criteria mentioned above, in accordance with the following scale:
a) Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course, analytical skills evident only with the lecturer’s assistance, expression in correct language → mark 18–19;
b) Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course, limited ability to analyse independently, expression in correct language → mark 20–24;
c) Knowledge of a wide range of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analyses, mastery of specific terminology → mark 25–29;
d) Comprehensive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analyses and draw connections, full command of specific terminology, ability to argue a case and engage in self-reflection → mark 30–30Lode.

Teaching tools

Power point; audio-visual materials (movies)

Office hours

See the website of Stefania Crocitti

See the website of Dario Melossi