Criminological Perspectives
Full course description
The course Criminological Perspectives will introduce students to the field of crime, crime causation and crime control. More specifically, the course will provide a better understanding of:
1) The assumptions our scientific knowledge of crime (development) is based upon;
2) Various explanations of crime from different disciplines and on various levels;
3) Possibilities to apply and integrate criminological theories;
4) The rationale behind the contemporary response to crime.
By reviewing current as well as former insights, the development of criminology as a science is portrayed, as well as the way it is influenced by developments in society.
The course is characterized by tutorial groups where, according to the PBL model, students apply their insights to current cases, real-life problems and policy issues. In addition, a number of weblectures will be given.
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student must:
- Be able to recognise the differences and similarities between the various theoretical movements as to research questions, explanations, assumptions, levels of explication and opportunities for theoretical integration;
- Know the contents of the main criminological explications and be able to apply them to concrete (knowledge) issues;
- Be able to draw conclusions based on information about research results as to the empirical tenability of theories;
- Be able to comprehend the rationale behind the current fight against and prevention of crime and substantiate this with practical examples.