Economics of (organized) Crime and Corruption
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to the study of the economics of crime, with a specific focus on organized crime and corruption issues. The first part of the course provides the necessary methodological tools to understand recent scientific studies in the field of empirical economics. Specifically, the course includes a brief introduction to the most common econometric and statistical methods used in the study of the economics of crime. In the following classes, we will address a series of topics related to organized crime and corruption, and examine how economists can assist policymakers in analyzing crime. We will focus on the economic approach to a range of research questions, such as: Is it possible to estimate the deterrent effect of penalties? What are the best policies to combat corruption? What are the effects of the mafia on society? Can electoral accountability prevent corruption?
Expected learning outcomes
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental statistical tools utilized in the field of crime economics.
Demonstrate a profound grasp of the research topics explored throughout the course, exhibiting a high level of knowledge and comprehension.
Develop the capacity to critically evaluate the scientific methodologies employed in crime economics, with particular emphasis on organized crime and corruption, to assess their strengths and limitations.
Cultivate the skills to autonomously explore and delve into scientific subjects pertaining to crime economics, fostering independent learning and research capabilities.
Demonstrate a profound grasp of the research topics explored throughout the course, exhibiting a high level of knowledge and comprehension.
Develop the capacity to critically evaluate the scientific methodologies employed in crime economics, with particular emphasis on organized crime and corruption, to assess their strengths and limitations.
Cultivate the skills to autonomously explore and delve into scientific subjects pertaining to crime economics, fostering independent learning and research capabilities.
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
Syllabus: Economics of (Organized) Crime and Corruption
Part 1: Introduction to Statistics in Economics
Lesson 1: Methods: Basics of statistics
Lesson 2: Methods: Regression Analysis
Part 2: Economics of Crime and Natual Experiments
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
Part 3: Economics of Corruption
Lesson 8: Corruption
Lesson 9: Corruption and political incentives
Part 4: Economics of Organized Crime
Lesson 10: Organized crime determinants
Lesson 11: Organized crime consequences
Lesson 12: Eurocrime vision
Part 5: Student Presentations
Students will have the opportunity to research and present on a topic related to the Economics of (Organized) Crime and Corruption.
Note: The course outline is subject to adjustment and may include additional topics or guest lectures as determined by the instructor. The course material will be available on the ARIEL website of this course.
Part 1: Introduction to Statistics in Economics
Lesson 1: Methods: Basics of statistics
Lesson 2: Methods: Regression Analysis
Part 2: Economics of Crime and Natual Experiments
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
Part 3: Economics of Corruption
Lesson 8: Corruption
Lesson 9: Corruption and political incentives
Part 4: Economics of Organized Crime
Lesson 10: Organized crime determinants
Lesson 11: Organized crime consequences
Lesson 12: Eurocrime vision
Part 5: Student Presentations
Students will have the opportunity to research and present on a topic related to the Economics of (Organized) Crime and Corruption.
Note: The course outline is subject to adjustment and may include additional topics or guest lectures as determined by the instructor. The course material will be available on the ARIEL website of this course.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites for enrolling in the course on Economics of (Organized) Crime and Corruption. However, it is important to note that the course heavily relies on economic principles and statistical analysis. Therefore, students should be prepared and motivated to engage with graphs, tables, and statistical models.
Teaching methods
Lecture: I strongly encourage students' participation. Lecture slides will be available to students after each class.
External speaker: an external expert will teach one of the lectures.
Interactive methods: quiz, video, open debates, students' presentations, contests.
Students' presentations: as described above, students' evaluation is partly based on presentations in class.
External speaker: an external expert will teach one of the lectures.
Interactive methods: quiz, video, open debates, students' presentations, contests.
Students' presentations: as described above, students' evaluation is partly based on presentations in class.
Teaching Resources
- PDF slides
- PDF papers available after each class
- PDF papers available after each 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.
As an alternative to the presentation (evaluated up to 50% of the final score), students can present an original research project.
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.
As an alternative to the presentation (evaluated up to 50% of the final score), students can present an original research project.
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)