Introduction to Criminology (20619)
- Course name: Introduction to Criminology
- Year: 1
- Term:1
- Number of ECTS credits: 4
- Student hours: 100
Syllabus
The course "Introduction to Criminology " is of fundamental importance in the Criminology and Public Prevention Policies degree, as it represents students' first contact with the different subjects which will be taught throughout the degree.
For this reason, the course appears at the beginning of the degree studies and has an introductory nature. Its key aspects are the understanding of what criminology studies and an introduction to criminality, the functioning of the criminal justice system and public policies in these areas.
The course is divided into two-way lectures and discussion seminars. There are also two guided visits to key institutions in the criminal justice system.
To get the most out of the course in a general sense it is important to keep up-to-date with current affairs, read the recommended texts, attend the lectures and participate in the seminars.
Contents section 1. DEFINITION OF CRIMINOLOGY
1. Criminology's object of study.
2. Methods of criminological study.
Contents section 2. CRIMINALITY
3. Different types of criminality.
Contents section 3. CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORIES
4. The classical school: 'neoclassical' approaches.
5. Biological positivist theories.
6. Sociological theories: the Chicago School and differential association theory. Labelling theory and critical criminology.
Contents section 4. THE FUNCTIONING OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
7. Introduction to the criminal justice system.
8. Police forces: criminological analysis.
9. Prison and non-custodial sentences: suspended sentences, community service and treatment programmes. Introduction to Restorative Justice.
Contents section 5. TRENDS IN CRIMINAL POLICY
10. Penological trends: the control society. Imprisonment rates. European penological systems: relevant variables for understanding punitivism: the media and public opinion.