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 multiplechoice
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.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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