Theories, Perspectives and Concepts of Cultural Criminology

The course gives you an introduction to cultural criminology. You study culture as a collectively negotiated system of meaning and how distinctions between ‘criminal’, ‘deviant’ and ‘normal’ are produced. The course brings together cultural sociology and social anthropology to explain how expectations, explanations, actions and identities are categorised, organised and interpreted.

In part one you meet the core concepts and theories and learn why cultural approaches matter for questions of crime, prevention, deviation and social control. Part two focuses on the practical application of these perspectives – we explore themes related to boundaries, subcultures, surveillance and control, and new technology.

The course is taught in English and is compulsory within the Master’s Programme in Cultural Criminology, but can also be studied as a stand‑alone course. 

The Department of Sociology

The course is offered by the Department of Sociology in the picturesque Paradiset campus area in Lund. The building combines modern lecture halls, group rooms, and study spaces – just a short walk from the Social Sciences Library (Sambib) and the University Library (UB), several popular cafés and the city centre.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The course gives you a solid theoretical foundation and gradually guides you towards more independent work. You develop a deeper understanding of key concepts in cultural criminology and how they differ from more traditional criminological approaches. Throughout the course, you practise formulating meaningful questions, applying theory to different kinds of materials, and arguing for various theoretical perspectives in a thoughtful, academically informed way.

You will also explore issues relating to gender, diversity and social hierarchies, as well as ethical and knowledge‑related challenges within the field. Throughout your studies, you work on connecting culture, crime, crime prevention, deviation and social control, while developing a critical awareness of what research can explain, where its limits lie, and the responsibilities involved in using it.

Teaching methods

• Lectures to establish a common theoretical foundation.
• Workshops and group assignments to explore and discuss key concepts.
• Seminars.
• Supervision to support your independent work.

Assessment consists of two individual take-home exams. 

The course provides you with a theoretical foundation that is intended to lead to more independent work. You build skills in critical analysis and cultural interpretation that are valuable both for further academic studies and for jobs in professions dealing with crime, deviance, prevention and social control.

Prerequisites

At least 150 ECTS credits, including a Bachelor's degree project in sociology, social anthropology (or the equivalent). English course 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school. (Students on SACCR Master's programme in Cultural Criminology, 120 ECTS credits, fulfill the requirements)

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 31,250
First payment: SEK 31,250

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.