Class Environmental Criminology

This course unit aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of Environmental Criminology, its scope, paradigms, and main approaches, focusing on how spatial, temporal, and environmental factors influence the emergence and distribution of crime. It also addresses the geographical distribution of crime, the opportunities provided by different environments, and the interaction between space, offender, and victim, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of Criminology and the contributions of fields such as Architecture, Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, and Ecology.

Not applicable

Fundamentals and Introduction to Environmental Criminology Key Theories and Models of Environmental Criminology Spatial and Geographical Analysis of Crime The Influence of the Physical Environment on Crime Social, Economic, and Environmental Contexts of Crime Situational Crime Prevention and Environmental Intervention Environmental Criminology and Criminal Policy Research Methods and Techniques in Environmental Criminology Case Studies and Critical Analysis of Criminal Contexts Innovation, New Technologies, and Future Perspectives Fieldwork and Final Project

The course unit adopts active and innovative teaching methodologies aimed at integrating theory and practice and developing critical thinking. These include problem-based learning (PBL) and case studies, enabling students to analyse real or simulated crime scenarios; fieldwork and observation, promoting practical experience and research skills; the use of digital technologies to support spatial crime analysis; collaborative learning, through group projects and structured debates; and gamification and simulation, fostering a more dynamic and immersive learning experience. These methodologies encourage active student participation and the development of analytical, research, collaborative, and problem-solving skills.

Andresen, M. A. (2020). Environmental criminology: Evolution, theory, and practice. Routledge. Boba, R. (2005). Crime analysis and crime mapping. Sage Publications. Brantingham, P. J., & Brantingham, P. L. (1991). Environmental criminology. Waveland Press. Brantingham, P. J., & Brantingham, P. L. (1993). Nodes, paths, and edges: Considerations on the complexity of crime and the physical environment. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 13(1), 3-28. Brites, J. (2002). O paradigma ecopsicossociológico na desordem. Sub Judice, 22/23, 85-90. Cozens, P. M., & Love, T. (2015). A review and current status of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). Journal of Planning Literature, 30(4), 393-412. Cornish, D. B., & Clarke, R. V. (2008). The rational choice perspective. In R. Wortley & L. Mazerolle (Eds.), Environmental criminology and crime analysis (pp. 21-47). Willan Publishing.