12078 - Sociology of Deviance

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the sociological study of deviance and delinquency. By the end of the course students will be able to appraise the contribution of the theoretical frameworks analysed to our understanding of crime and deviance.

Course contents

The course addresses the historical evolution of the discipline in order to analyze the main theoretical contributions in the field of sociology of deviance and criminology.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Williams, F. P., McShane, M. D., & Archivio del Mulino. (2002). Devianza e criminalità (Nuova ed.). Il Mulino.

Howard S. Becker, Outsiders. Studi di sociologia della devianza, Meltemi, 2017.

Pitch, T. (2022). Il malinteso della vittima una lettura femminista della cultura punitiva. Gruppo Abele.

Teaching methods

Lectures and thematic meetings, video, group presentations and classroom discussions.

 

Assessment methods

The final exam aims to verify the achievement of the following goals:

1) knowledge of the main criminological theories;

2) the ability to use these theories in order to analyze crime.

For attending students:

For students who regularly attend classes, the assessment process is divided into three separate components:

• Two in-course written tests, administered during the semester, each structured as follows:

  • a multiple-choice section (20 questions, maximum score: 20/30);

  • one open-ended question, to be selected from three options (maximum score: 10/30).

• An oral exam on the following texts:
  H. Becker, "Outsiders. Studies in the Sociology of Deviance"; Pitch, T. (2022). Il malinteso della vittima una lettura femminista della cultura punitiva.
  This third, mandatory component will be held during one of the official exam sessions and will contribute to determining the final overall grade.

For not-attending students, the exam will consist in a written text (6 open questions - max. 5 points for each answer) on the tests proposed (bibliography).

The time available for the written test is 90 minutes.

During the test, the use of supporting material such as: textbooks, notes, computer supports is not allowed.

The test is passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

It is possible to view the written test and ask for clarification during office hours.

In both cases, the evaluation criterion of the written test will be the same and aimed at verifying the acquisition of knowledge and critical analysis.

For international students: contact the professors at the beginning of class. In general, they have the option of using one of the following three languages for the written test: Italian, French and English.

 

Teaching tools

PC and videoprojector. Web resources.

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

These documents do not substitute the compulsory reading materials, but they are supplementary and constitute a study guide to help gain a better understanding of the course contents.

 

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.

Office hours

See the website of Sandra Sicurella

See the website of Simone Tuzza