87154 - HISTORY AND THEORY OF CRIMINOLOGY

Learning outcomes

The course is oriented to provide students a general overview on the history of criminology, and to acquire the main concepts of criminological theories. The goal is to give professional knowledge and empirical tools to both those who wish to work in the area of deviance and social control (such as police, prison and probation officers, besides the usual careers in law) and those who intend to go on to an academic specialization in criminal law and socio-criminological research. The course focuses on processes, strategies, institutions and theories of deviance, social control and punishment, as these have been developing in Europe and the United States. On such historical and conceptual backdrop, the main goal is then to proceed to a reconstruction of the main theories in the sociology of deviance and criminology, and in the sociology of punishment. Specific instances of criminological research will also be discussed.

Course contents

This course focuses on the historical developments of theories on crime and punishment. Some of the theories discussed will refer to the Classic and Positive Schools; the theory of Anomie; the Chicago School Ecological theory; Differential association theory and “White Collar Crimes”; Labelling theories and social control; the theories of “Everyday life” and the “new prevention” of deviance. Moving from these historical and theoretical frameworks, crime and punishment will be analysed also considering the main research findings in specific fields (e.g. second generation migrants, juvenile delinquency, gender violence, prostitution and organized crime).

Readings/Bibliography

Dario Melossi, Controlling Crime, Controlling Society: Thinking About Crime in Europe and America. Cambridge (UK): Polity Press, paperback, ISBN: 9780745634296, distribution: Wiley, 250 pages.

Other readings shall be assigned during the course, according to the topics discussed (see syllabus distributed at the beginning of the course).

Teaching methods

The contents will be divided into “internal sessions” dealing with specific criminological issues. Teaching methods will combine frontal classes and collective discussions with seminars and workshops involving students. Course attendance is required and will be regularly checked.

Assessment methods

Collective discussions and workshops during the course, and a final oral examination. The whole assessment will take into consideration also the regular attendance of the course.

Teaching tools

We shall use power point presentations, readings and collective discussions.

Office hours

See the website of Stefania Crocitti