Description
The main aim of this module is to give students a robust introduction to the scientific study of organised crime. In brief, the module will argue against simplistic and stereotypical definitions of organised crime in favour of a more flexible framework that focuses on the different empirical manifestations of organised crime phenomena along three key dimensions: i) organised crime activities; ii) criminal structures (i.e. criminal groups); and iii) extra-legal governance. Furthermore, the module will address cross-cutting issues such as the social embeddedness of organised crime, the impact of organised crime on the legal economy, and the complicated relationship between organised crime and government. The module will consider organised crime in the local and transnational dimensions, with examples from a wide variety of contexts. While the module will touch upon major organised crime problems (such as drug trafficking, extortion and violence), the main goal of the module is to equip students with a robust conceptual toolkit that will enable them to independently and critically examine any manifestation of organised crime.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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