LFU:online

In-depth knowledge of relevant social science approaches regarding deviance, crime and security; analysis and application of knowledge

The course deals with the theoretical foundations of the sociology of crime/criminology. The focus is not on the spectacular individual crime or the search for the causes of crime, but on the social conditions and functions of deviant behaviour. Starting with Émile Durkheim, who described the functions of deviance and the normality of criminality more than 100 years ago, we turn to classic texts on the disciplinary, control and security society as well as current approaches (feminist criminology, cultural criminology). We look at how deviant behavior is labeled criminality, how social problems are socially (co-)constituted and address the question of equality before the law as well as the effects of (criminal) law and sanctions.

Input by the lecturer and presentations by the students; discussions in groups/plenum; preparation of basic literature; writing a short paper. 

- Reading of literature provided by the lecturer and answering the questions on the texts (25%)

- Active participation in discussions and exercises, including online sessions  (25%)

- Researching a topic related to radicalisation/extremism and group presentation (25%)

- Writing a short paper (25%)

Klimke, Daniela/Legnaro, Aldo (Hrsg.): Kriminologische Grundlagentexte. Springer, Wiesbaden 2016.

Schlepper, Christina/Wehrheim, Jan (Hrsg.): Schlüsselwerke der Kritischen Kriminologie. Beltz Juventa, Weinheim, Basel 2017.

Further literature will be announced in the first session.