Course Name: CRIM 37095 Born Criminal? The Italian Origins of Criminology

Description: This course focuses on studying crime and criminal behavior. Students will examine the history of criminological theory, which was developed in Italy across the 1700s and 1800s. In this course, we will explore the work of classical philosophers such as Beccaria and Lombroso, examining their thoughts on how crime is defined, what makes a criminal, and how society should punish people who engage in crime. Students will also study Renaissance and Enlightenment era art and its influence on narratives of justice, and visit several museums to see the pieces. This will include site visits to the Bargello, a historical courthouse and prison. Then, students will investigate the legacy of these Italian criminological theories in the criminal justice system today.

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisites: None