83120 - Mafia and Processes of Victimization

Learning outcomes

The educational objective of the course “Victimization Processes and Mafias” is to provide interpretative and analytical tools for understanding the phenomenon of organized crime, with particular reference to the three main Italian criminal organizations (Cosa Nostra, ‘Ndrangheta, Camorra). The course also adopts a comparative perspective on different forms of criminality and pays complementary attention to the complex relationship that develops between the offender and the victim.

The aim is to enable students to deepen their theoretical knowledge and enhance their critical understanding of the spread and evolution of these phenomena.

Course contents

The course offers a historiographical analysis focused primarily—but not exclusively—on the three main Italian mafia organizations: Cosa Nostra, ‘Ndrangheta, and Camorra. Its objective is to reconstruct their origins, trace their historical evolution, and outline their structural and operational characteristics, with particular attention to their most influential areas of activity.

In parallel, the course explores the processes of victimization and the rights of mafia victims. Within this educational framework, special emphasis will also be placed on the themes of memory and testimony, regarded as fundamental tools for the development of a shared civil and collective consciousness.

 

Readings/Bibliography

R. Sciarrone (2025), Prima lezione di sociologia delle mafie, Laterza, Roma-Bari.

Sergi A. (2024), L'inferno ammobiliato, Blonk editore.

Sicurella S. (2017) Da quel giorno mia madre ha smesso di cantare. Storie di mafia, Giappichelli, Torino.

The reading list will be finalised by the start of the academic year (September 2026).

For Erasmus students, the exam program will be agreed individually with the teacher.

For attending students, the required reading list for exam preparation will be provided during the first class.

Useful resources to support learning and help with exam preparation will be made available to all students on the Virtuale platform.

Teaching methods

Course methodology: lectures, seminars and participatory activities.

Assessment methods

Assessment Methods

The exam aims to assess the achievement of the learning objectives outlined in the "Learning outcomes" section.

Assessment for attending students consists of:

• a mid-term in-class test (maximum mark: 6/30);
• a final written examination covering the topics addressed during the lectures (maximum mark: 24/30);
• optional coursework and/or presentations (up to 1 additional mark).

Assessment for non-attending students consists of:

• a written examination comprising six open-ended questions based on the required readings listed in the bibliography.

Each answer is marked on a scale from 0 to 5, and candidates have 90 minutes to complete the examination.

International mobility students (e.g., Erasmus, Overseas)

Students must contact the teacher at the beginning of the course. The exam can be taken:

• Oral (in Italian);

• written test (in Italian or English).

All students can review their marked exam during office hours.

Grades can be officially recorded with prior acceptance, even in the student’s absence. The grade may be declined up to two times.

Grading criteria:

• 27–30 with honors: excellent critical and analytical skills, clear and accurate use of language

• 22–26: good knowledge with some limitations

• 18–21: sufficient but with gaps

• Below 18: insufficient 

Teaching tools

PC and videoprojector, web resources. 

Students who would like to use voice recorders for class lectures are kindly invited to ask for the explicit permission of the professor in order to do so.

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

 

Notice for students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities: students are strongly advised to contact the University Office in advance. The Office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the teacher at least 15 days in advance, who will evaluate their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

AI can be a useful tool to support individual study through in-depth analysis, summaries, and self-assessment activities. As for the assessment of learning, the use of AI during in-person exams is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Office hours

See the website of Sandra Sicurella