SOCb2011 Introduction to Sociology of Crime

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2025
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
doc. PhDr. Kateřina Nedbálková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. Kateřina Nedbálková, Ph.D.
Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Ing. Soňa Enenkelová
Supplier department: Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 40 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/40, only registered: 0/40, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/40
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 18 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
The course introduces a sociological perspective on crime. The sociological approach is defined in relation to other explanations of crime. The course provides an overview of the development of paradigms in the field of crime, and of key figures in crime research. Individual explanations will be illustrated with practical examples. Learners will learn to characterize, compare and apply the approaches discussed to specific empirical phenomena.
Learning outcomes
- characterise the main social science approaches to crime - compare the sociological approach with other approaches - apply sociological theories to specific cases and problems - identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to crime
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the course 2. What is crime? 3. Classical criminology. Positivist criminology. Biological theories 4. Sociological theory - Durkheim 5. Marx and the theory of crime 6. Structuralist theory - Merton 7. Subcultural theory. The theory of differentiated contacts. Prison 8. Prison 9. Crime and the media, victimisation, victims 10. Labelling approach - social response theory Victims 11. (Conflict theory) Crime class, race, gender 12. Critical theory Victimization 13. Critical Theory. Allocation of responsibility. Final Test.
Teaching methods
lecture, seminar, discussion, small group exercises, reading
Assessment methods
test
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught every week.
General note: Předmět nebude vyučován pokud si ho zapíše méně než 5 studujících.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2021, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2025, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2025/SOCb2011