Learning objectives
The general objective of the class is to familiarize students with sociological explanations of deviance and to apply these explanations to specific deviant phenomena in order to better understand the social changes that have occurred within contemporary culture. In relation to the field of social service, a specific objective will be to help students develop critical evaluations regarding the relationship between social service and theories of deviance, social service and juvenile phenomena, and social service and criminal justice.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The program aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the main sociological theories and schools of thought that explore deviance and social control. An initial review of the historical-evolutionary process of the discpline will be followed by an in-depth examination of the theories that have investigated deviant behavior and crime. The theories will be placed in the historical and social context of reference, but also considered in the light of contemporary issues and phenomena. The class will develop a critical analysis of the said theories (and related forms of social control) and seek to understand how they have changed over space and time. This first part will conclude with an examination of the most recent theorethical trends in criminology, and in particular green criminology, cultural criminology and feminist criminology.
The second part of the class will be dedicated to the analysis-theoretical and empirical-of two specific topics: juvenile gangs as a transactional phenomenon and the condition of punished women with children in criminal execution with a focus on criminal execution outs
Full programme
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Bibliography
- Dino A., Rinaldi C., (a cura di) Sociologia della devianza e del crimine. Prospettive, ambiti e sviluppi contemporanei, Mondadori, 2021 (Soltanto alcuni capitoli della Prima Parte del testo, indicativamente capitoli da 1 a 15).
Un testo monografico a scelta tra:
- F. Prina, Gang Giovanili. Perchè nascono, chi ne fa parte, come intervenire, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2019.
- F. Vianello (a cura di), Maternità in Pena. Una ricerca qualitativa sulla criminalizzazione e l’esecuzione penale delle donne con figli minori, Meltemi Editore, Milano, 2023 (in corso di pubblicazione)
Teaching methods
Lectures, film screenings, group presentations in the classroom. The class includes indeed active engagement of students through participatory activities. Such interventions will help students apply the knowledge learned, express critical judgment and communication skills.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final exam consists of a written exam consisting of three open ended questions to which the student must respond within the assigned line limits for each answer (including one question on the monographic section) and 15 multiple-choice questions. The questions cover the entire course program and the student's chosen monographic section. The exam will focus on the following areas of learning: • Knowledge and understanding of the issues and topics covered during the lectures, especially ability to connect different theories with each other and contextualize them in space and time;• Applied knowledge and understanding in the field of social service, particularly by applying theoretical frameworks to the analysis of deviant behaviors discussed • Autonomy of judgment, particularly by formulating interpretative hypotheses and personal reflections on the complex themes presented in the course. • Communication skills of the student, evaluating their ability to describe and argue their learnings. • Ability to learn, retain, and rework the learnings, even in a personal manner. The evaluation criteria will include clarity, critical reflection, and personal contributions. The final score is obtained by summing the scores obtained in the 15 multiple-choice questions and the 3 open-ended questions. Each correct answer is assessed based on the demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and understanding (multiple-choice questions) and exercise autonomy of judgment while expressing oneself with correctness and appropriate vocabulary (open-ended questions). The use of supporting materials during the written exam is not allowed. The arrangements for returning evaluations will be communicated during the class. The professor will conduct formative assessments informally, especially at the beginning of the course, by revisiting certain topics and encouraging open discussions at the start or end of the lectures.
Other information
Office hours with the professor for students will be held, by appointment,
at the end of the lesson and subsequently, also by appointment, remotely
via the MC TEAMS platform.
