Cursos / 2º Ciclo / Faculty of Law :: Criminology

CRIMINOLOGIA - TEMAS AVANÇADOS - 2025/2026

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 2nd semester
ECTS: 4

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutora Laura Neiva
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutora Laura Neiva

Class type and School hours

Teórico-prática : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

To present and discuss the main developments in criminological research, with emphasis on contemporary challenges related to crime, social control, and security. To stimulate critical thinking about criminal phenomena and their multiple social, cultural, and technological manifestations.

Specific Aims/Objectives

Critically reflect on the main conceptual and methodological contributions of contemporary criminology;
Explore how structural inequalities influence responses to crime, promoting critical analysis;
Develop the ability to deconstruct hegemonic narratives about crime, encouraging reflection on marginalized perspectives;
Examine the role of justice institutions in maintaining power relations, and how they can be reimagined.

Skills to be acquired

Ability to develop innovative theoretical-critical reflections based on current debates in criminology;
Aptitude for articulating different theoretical paradigms and understanding their practical implications;
Critical analysis of the role of control and justice institutions in reproducing inequalities;

Teaching Procedures

The course will include theoretical and practical components, combining lectures with small and large group debates/reflections on intervention-related topics. Emphasis on autonomous work, supported by the e-learning platform, where reading materials and class resources will be made available.

Programme

I. Advanced Topics and Current Debates

Methods and techniques of criminal investigation
Crime and inequality management in contemporary societies
Media, surveillance, and social control technologies
Big Data, databases, and biometrics
Artificial Intelligence in the justice system
Justice system and inequalities: gender, class, and ethnicity
Organized crime
Security policies and terrorism

Evaluation Type

Two written tests and a final exam will be administered to assess understanding of theoretical and historical concepts.

Teaching Resources

Audiovisual media
Reading materials available via e-learning
Practical exercises and case analysis

Sustainability Objectives

Keywords

Contemporary Criminology
Crime and Social Control
Surveillance and Technology

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography