Class Intervention models in criminology

The aim of this CU is for students to understand the various models of intervention in criminal behaviour, from the perspective of crime prevention and re-socialization, critically integrating them into the various contexts in which criminologists are called upon to intervene. Learning is based on stimulating research, critical analysis and discussion of analytical products developed by the students.

Module I. Historical-epistemological analysis of intervention models in criminal behavior.

1. Specifics and controversies of intervention with offenders. The rehabilitation of offenders: from nothing works to what works; Evidence-based intervention
2. The three vectors of intervention: punishment, treatment and control. The normative-legal and clinical perspectives of the intervention.

Module II. Models of intervention in criminal behavior

1. Reference frameworks, contexts and levels of intervention;
2. From assessment to crime prevention and criminal recidivism;
3. Cognitive and cognitive behavioral models;
4. Treatment programs and techniques;

Module III. Contexts and practices

1. Models and practices applied in the different intervention contexts;
2. Intervention programs applied to specific criminal populations (juvenile, female, violent, domestic and sexual offenders);
3. Specificities, ethical principles and deontological rules in criminological intervention.

The classes will focus on the integration and critical reflection of the contents, mainly through an approach centered on the student. To do so, didactic resources will be used, such as oral presentation, group discussion, case analysis, as well as elaboration and oral presentation of studies. Continuous assessment includes the folllowing parameters:

- A written exam (65%);

- Group work - framing a criminological intervention with a specific type of offender (35%);

The final evaluation will consist of a written test, covering all the syllabus taught and will have a weight of 100% in the final classification. 

Andrews, D.A. e Bonta, J. (2010). The psychology of criminal conduct. New Providence: LexisNexis.

Aos, S., Miller, M. e Drake, E. (2006). Evidence-based adult corrections programs: What works and what does not.

Olympia. Washington State Institute for Public Policy.

Aos, S.; Phipps, P.; Barnoski, R. e Lieb, A. (2001). The comparative costs and benefits of programs to reduce crime.

Olympia: Washington State Institute for Public Policy. In www.wsipp.wa.gov.

Landenberger, Nana A. e Lipsey, Mark W. (2005). The positive effects of cognitive-behavioral programs for offenders:

A meta-analysis of factors associated with effective treatment. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 1:451-476.

Latessa, E. J., Listwan, S. J., & Koetzle, D. (2014). What works (and doesn’t work) in reducing recidivism. Waltham:

Anderson Publishing.

McGuire, J. ed. Offender rehabilitation and treatment: effective programmes and policies to reduce re-offending. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 2002.