The aim of the course is to introduce students to the discipline of criminology. After an introduction to the historical development of such a discipline, from the historical writings of criminal law reformers in the Eighteenth Century to the more recent foundation of a scientific criminology, the course will deal with  modern criminology as a composite, eclectic, multidisciplinary enterprise, made up of a body of accredited and systematically transmitted forms of knowledge, approved procedures and techniques of investigation.  Major emphasis will be placed on issues related to white-collar offences and their power to undermine the basis of trust which holds society together. Particular attention will be devoted to the analysis of the harmful activities of corporations which endanger the safety of workers and consumers, and have a wide impact on public health and the environment.

Students will be encouraged to take an active role in the class and to participate in the critical discussion of cases and materials.

There will be an oral exam at the end of the course. Detailed information on evaluation criteria will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Vold, G. B., Bernard, T. J., Snipes, J. B., Theoretical criminology, Oxford University Press, New York, 2002, 5^th ed.

Croall, H., Understanding white collar crime, Open University Press, Buckingham, 2001.