The Economics of Crime
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims at introducing students to the analysis of crime economics.
The first part of the course introduces the necessary methodological tools to understand research in economics. Specifically, we will learn about some basic statistical and econometrical tools, which are commonly used in crime economics.
In the next classes, we will focus on topics related to crime and we will understand how economists can help policymakers to tackle crime.
We will adopt an economic approach to investigate research questions, like: can we estimate the deterrence effect? Do peer-effects matter for criminals? Which is the best sanction upon a cost-benefit perspective? Are fines more effective than other sanctions? Does police presence decrease crime? Is there a link between migration and crime? Which are the best policies to fight corruption? Which are the effects of mafia on society?
The first part of the course introduces the necessary methodological tools to understand research in economics. Specifically, we will learn about some basic statistical and econometrical tools, which are commonly used in crime economics.
In the next classes, we will focus on topics related to crime and we will understand how economists can help policymakers to tackle crime.
We will adopt an economic approach to investigate research questions, like: can we estimate the deterrence effect? Do peer-effects matter for criminals? Which is the best sanction upon a cost-benefit perspective? Are fines more effective than other sanctions? Does police presence decrease crime? Is there a link between migration and crime? Which are the best policies to fight corruption? Which are the effects of mafia on society?
Expected learning outcomes
1. Understanding of basic statistical tools used in crime economics
2. Excellent learning of the research topics discussed during the course
3. Ability to critically evaluate scientific methodologies adopted in crime economics
4. Ability to independently learn about scientific topics related to crime economics
2. Excellent learning of the research topics discussed during the course
3. Ability to critically evaluate scientific methodologies adopted in crime economics
4. Ability to independently learn about scientific topics related to crime economics
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Outline: the first part of the course is based on a purely methodological introduction to statistics in the economics. Subsequent lessons will address specific crime economics issues, as listed below. The last classes include students' presentations.
Introduction: Economics of Crime
Lesson 1: Methods: Basics of statistics
Lesson 2: Methods: Regression Analysis
Lesson 3: Becker Model
Lesson 4: Deterrence and incapacitation
Lesson 5: Detention and electronic monitoring
Lesson 6: Alternative punishments to prison
Lesson 7: Police and crime
Lesson 8: Racial Discrimination
Lesson 9: The opportunity cost
Lesson 10: Immigration and crime
Lesson 11: Corruption
Lesson 12: Corruption and political incentives
Lesson 13: Organized crime
Subsequent lessons: Students' presentations
The course material will be available on the ARIEL website of this course.
Introduction: Economics of Crime
Lesson 1: Methods: Basics of statistics
Lesson 2: Methods: Regression Analysis
Lesson 3: Becker Model
Lesson 4: Deterrence and incapacitation
Lesson 5: Detention and electronic monitoring
Lesson 6: Alternative punishments to prison
Lesson 7: Police and crime
Lesson 8: Racial Discrimination
Lesson 9: The opportunity cost
Lesson 10: Immigration and crime
Lesson 11: Corruption
Lesson 12: Corruption and political incentives
Lesson 13: Organized crime
Subsequent lessons: Students' presentations
The course material will be available on the ARIEL website of this course.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements.
The course is in Italian. However, the course is based on scientific studies published in English. Therefore, students should be ready to face a widespread use of English terminology. A good English knowledge would facilitate the attendance to the course.
This is a quantitative course. However, it is not necessary any specific statistical/math knowledge to attend the course. Conversely, it is important to be motivated to new work approaches related to Economics.
The course is in Italian. However, the course is based on scientific studies published in English. Therefore, students should be ready to face a widespread use of English terminology. A good English knowledge would facilitate the attendance to the course.
This is a quantitative course. However, it is not necessary any specific statistical/math knowledge to attend the course. Conversely, it is important to be motivated to new work approaches related to Economics.
Teaching methods
Lecture: I strongly encourage students' participation. Lecture slides will be available to students after each class.
Interactive methods: quiz, video, open debates, students' presentations.
Interactive methods: quiz, video, open debates, students' presentations.
Teaching Resources
Compulsory: slides and optional scientific papers which will provided in pdf format at the end every class.
Assessment methods and Criteria
NOTE: students attendance is compulsory (at least 80%) and it will be recorded at the beginning of each class.
Evaluation
For students attending classes, the evaluation is based on three indicators:
40%: assigned based on students' presentations. The presentation will be about a topic related to the course to be chosen out of a list. The length of the presentation and the number of students in each group will depend upon the course attendance. The evaluation of the presentation will be based on: i) clarity of the presentation and of the slides; ability to link the content of the presentation to the topics of the course; originality and critical approach to the topic. The presentations will take place during the last classes of the course.
The remaining 60% will be assigned based on a written exam. The exam will last 1h30 and it will include open questions.
For not-attenting students, the evaluation (100%) is entirely based on the final exam.
Evaluation
For students attending classes, the evaluation is based on three indicators:
40%: assigned based on students' presentations. The presentation will be about a topic related to the course to be chosen out of a list. The length of the presentation and the number of students in each group will depend upon the course attendance. The evaluation of the presentation will be based on: i) clarity of the presentation and of the slides; ability to link the content of the presentation to the topics of the course; originality and critical approach to the topic. The presentations will take place during the last classes of the course.
The remaining 60% will be assigned based on a written exam. The exam will last 1h30 and it will include open questions.
For not-attenting students, the evaluation (100%) is entirely based on the final exam.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)