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

Balloni A., Bisi R., Sette R., Criminologia e psicopatologia forense, Wolters Kluwer-Cedam, Milano, 2019 (dal capitolo I al capitolo IX compreso).

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

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:

An intermediate (written) test on the topics covered in class will be given during the course. The written will include three open-ended questions. Students who obtain a grade of 18/30 or higher will be allowed to take the second test (four open-ended questions) in the official appeals up to the fall session of the current academic year.
The final evaluation will be unitary and calculated on the basis of the arithmetic mean of the two grades, rounded up.
This evaluation may possibly be supplemented by optional participatory and/or group activities.

In case of an insufficient result, the first midterm cannot be made up.

For not-attending students, the exam will consist in a written text (4 open questions - max. 7.5 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.

Office hours

See the website of Sandra Sicurella

See the website of Simone Tuzza