Economics of (organized) Crime and Corruption
A.Y. 2025/2026
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 cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Course Syllabus: Economics of (Organized) Crime and Corruption
Part 1 - Introduction: Statistics and Economics
Lecture 1: Methods - Fundamentals of Statistics
Lecture 2: Methods - Regression Analysis
Part 2 - Economics of Crime
Lecture 3: The Becker Model
Lecture 4: Deterrence and Incapacitation
Lecture 5: Incarceration and Electronic Monitoring
Lecture 6: Alternatives to Imprisonment
Lecture 7: Policing and Crime Prevention
Part 3 - Economics of Corruption
Lecture 8: Corruption - Definitions, Measurement, and Costs
Lecture 9: Corruption and Political Incentives
Part 4 - Economics of Organized Crime
Lecture 10: Organized Crime - Causes and Enabling Conditions
Lecture 11: Organized Crime - Economic and Social Consequences
Lecture 12: Europe and Organized Crime: The Eurocrim Case
Part 5 - Student Presentations
Part 5 - Student Presentations
In the final weeks, students will present on a topic of their choice related to the course topics. Presentations may cover academic articles or propose original research projects.
Note: The course schedule is subject to change and may include additional topics or guest lectures at the instructor's discretion. All materials will be made available through the ARIEL course platform.
Part 1 - Introduction: Statistics and Economics
Lecture 1: Methods - Fundamentals of Statistics
Lecture 2: Methods - Regression Analysis
Part 2 - Economics of Crime
Lecture 3: The Becker Model
Lecture 4: Deterrence and Incapacitation
Lecture 5: Incarceration and Electronic Monitoring
Lecture 6: Alternatives to Imprisonment
Lecture 7: Policing and Crime Prevention
Part 3 - Economics of Corruption
Lecture 8: Corruption - Definitions, Measurement, and Costs
Lecture 9: Corruption and Political Incentives
Part 4 - Economics of Organized Crime
Lecture 10: Organized Crime - Causes and Enabling Conditions
Lecture 11: Organized Crime - Economic and Social Consequences
Lecture 12: Europe and Organized Crime: The Eurocrim Case
Part 5 - Student Presentations
Part 5 - Student Presentations
In the final weeks, students will present on a topic of their choice related to the course topics. Presentations may cover academic articles or propose original research projects.
Note: The course schedule is subject to change and may include additional topics or guest lectures at the instructor's discretion. All materials will be made available through the ARIEL course platform.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is taught entirely in English.
It relies on economic models and statistical analysis; therefore, students are expected to be comfortable interpreting graphs, tables, and quantitative data. A strong motivation and openness to engaging with analytical tools and methods are essential for successful participation.
It relies on economic models and statistical analysis; therefore, students are expected to be comfortable interpreting graphs, tables, and quantitative data. A strong motivation and openness to engaging with analytical tools and methods are essential for successful participation.
Teaching methods
Lectures
Active student participation is strongly encouraged. Students will frequently be invited to share their views and engage in discussions on the topics covered. Lectures will be based on slides, which will be made available after each session, and will incorporate a variety of interactive teaching methods, including debates, online quizzes, videos, and thematic contests.
Guest Speaker
One session will feature a guest lecture by an external speaker—either an academic or a policymaker—providing additional insight into one of the course topics.
Student Presentations
As outlined in the "Assessment Methods" section, the course includes a series of student presentations on topics related to the course content.
Active student participation is strongly encouraged. Students will frequently be invited to share their views and engage in discussions on the topics covered. Lectures will be based on slides, which will be made available after each session, and will incorporate a variety of interactive teaching methods, including debates, online quizzes, videos, and thematic contests.
Guest Speaker
One session will feature a guest lecture by an external speaker—either an academic or a policymaker—providing additional insight into one of the course topics.
Student Presentations
As outlined in the "Assessment Methods" section, the course includes a series of student presentations on topics related to the course content.
Teaching Resources
- Slides used during the lectures
- Selected scientific articles, available in PDF format after each class
- Selected scientific articles, available in PDF format after each class
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment Methods
For attending students, the final grade will be based on two components with different weights:
Presentation (40%)
Students will give an individual or group presentation on a topic related to the course content. The list of topics will be provided during the course. Groups will consist of 1 to 2 students, depending on class size. The duration of each presentation will vary based on the number of presentations scheduled.
Presentations will be evaluated according to four criteria:
i) clarity of delivery;
ii) quality and clarity of the slides;
iii) originality and critical engagement with the topic;
iv) ability to connect the topic to other themes discussed in the course.
Presentations will take place during the final weeks of the course. As an alternative to presenting a published paper, students may choose to present an original research project, which may account for up to 50% of the final grade.
Final Written Exam (60%)
The written exam will consist of 10 open-ended questions, each assigned a specific score. The exam will last 60 minutes.
For non-attending students, the final grade will be based solely on the open-ended written exam (100%).
For attending students, the final grade will be based on two components with different weights:
Presentation (40%)
Students will give an individual or group presentation on a topic related to the course content. The list of topics will be provided during the course. Groups will consist of 1 to 2 students, depending on class size. The duration of each presentation will vary based on the number of presentations scheduled.
Presentations will be evaluated according to four criteria:
i) clarity of delivery;
ii) quality and clarity of the slides;
iii) originality and critical engagement with the topic;
iv) ability to connect the topic to other themes discussed in the course.
Presentations will take place during the final weeks of the course. As an alternative to presenting a published paper, students may choose to present an original research project, which may account for up to 50% of the final grade.
Final Written Exam (60%)
The written exam will consist of 10 open-ended questions, each assigned a specific score. The exam will last 60 minutes.
For non-attending students, the final grade will be based solely on the open-ended written exam (100%).
SECS-P/03 - PUBLIC ECONOMICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Daniele Gianmarco
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Daniele GianmarcoProfessor(s)