Forensic and Investigative Criminology

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles of criminal law and the organization of penitentiary systems. Students will examine the legal foundations that define criminal responsibility, the structure of criminal offenses, and the procedural pathways that guide judicial decision-making. A central focus is placed on the evolution of penitentiary institutions, the philosophy of punishment, and contemporary debates around rehabilitation, inmate rights, and alternative sanctions. Through case analyses and applied discussions, students will develop a solid understanding of how legal frameworks shape criminal justice policies and influence the management and reintegration of offenders.

This course investigates the sociological foundations of deviant behavior and the processes that contribute to the emergence of criminality. Students will explore classical and contemporary theories of deviance, examining how social structures, cultural norms, inequality, and group dynamics influence both individual and collective forms of rule-breaking. Key topics include labeling theory, social control, subcultures, and the intersection of crime with socialization processes. By integrating empirical research and case-based discussions, the course equips students with analytical tools to critically interpret deviance as a social construct and to understand the complex factors that drive criminogenesis in modern societies.

This course provides an in-depth overview of psychological principles as applied to clinical assessment and forensic contexts. Students will study diagnostic methods, personality assessment, risk evaluation, and intervention strategies used in clinical practice, alongside specialized forensic applications such as competency evaluations, offender profiling, and courtroom testimony. Emphasis is placed on understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying criminal behavior, the role of mental disorders in legal settings, and the ethical challenges faced by practitioners. Through practical examples and case simulations, students will develop foundational competencies for analyzing behavioral evidence and contributing to multidisciplinary justice processes.

This course offers a practical and methodological exploration of crime scene investigation and forensic analysis. Students will learn systematic approaches to inspecting crime scenes, documenting physical environments, and collecting and preserving evidence in accordance with legal and scientific standards. Topics include trace evidence, biological and digital evidence, chain of custody procedures, and the integration of forensic technologies. The course also introduces behavioral profiling, examining how patterns of evidence can support investigative hypotheses. Through simulations, hands-on activities, and real-world case studies, students gain the skills needed to interpret forensic data and support investigative decision-making with accuracy and rigor.

This course examines the foundations of psychopathology through the study of major psychological disorders, diagnostic criteria, and theoretical models. Students will explore the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of mental illness, analyzing conditions such as mood disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and trauma-related syndromes. Emphasis is placed on understanding symptomatology, etiology, and treatment approaches, as well as the implications of mental disorders for daily functioning and social behavior. Through case analyses and applied reflections, the course equips students with a nuanced understanding of mental health challenges and their relevance in clinical, educational, and forensic settings.

This course provides an integrated exploration of the causes, patterns, and social dynamics of criminal behavior alongside the study of victimization. Students will examine major criminological theories, the socio-economic factors influencing crime, and the role of institutions in prevention and control. A parallel focus is dedicated to victimology, encompassing victim profiles, the psychological impact of crime, and support systems within the justice process. Through case studies and applied research, students will gain the analytical tools needed to understand the interplay between offenders, victims, and the broader community, while developing competencies relevant to policy evaluation and restorative justice practices.

This course explores the intersection of neuroscience and the legal system, focusing on how brain functioning influences behavior, decision-making, and criminal responsibility. Students will study neural development, cognitive processes, and the biological correlates of aggression, impulse control, and antisocial behavior. Key themes include neuroimaging technologies, neurolaw, and the ethical implications of employing neuroscientific evidence in forensic contexts. Through interdisciplinary discussions and examination of landmark cases, students will develop a nuanced understanding of how emerging neuroscientific knowledge informs criminal investigations and judicial reasoning.

This course investigates the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and cyber-enabled crime. Students will analyze contemporary forms of cybercrime—including identity theft, digital fraud, hacking, and AI-driven exploitation—while exploring the technological infrastructures that enable them. The curriculum emphasizes risk assessment, cybersecurity strategies, digital forensics, and the regulatory challenges posed by autonomous systems and algorithmic threats. Through applied projects and scenario-based exercises, students will acquire practical skills to understand, detect, and mitigate cyber risks in an increasingly interconnected world.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to investigative methods and the systematic analysis of evidence within the criminal justice process. Students will examine investigative planning, interviewing techniques, and the coordination of multidisciplinary investigative teams. A central component is the evaluation of physical, testimonial, and digital evidence, focusing on standards of admissibility, reliability, and scientific validity. By engaging with real-world cases and forensic scenarios, students will develop critical competencies in investigative reasoning, evidence interpretation, and the application of best practices to support judicial outcomes.

This course examines the sociological dimensions of violence, moral transgression, and radicalization processes in contemporary societies. Students will explore how cultural narratives, group dynamics, identity formation, and ideological systems contribute to acts perceived as “evil,” from individual deviance to large-scale atrocities. Key topics include extremism, radicalization pathways, charismatic authority, propaganda, and the sociopolitical conditions that facilitate extremist movements. Through theoretical debates and case-based analysis, students will develop the tools to interpret complex forms of destructive behavior and analyze strategies for prevention, deradicalization, and social resilience.

This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of literary traditions and cultural expressions across global contexts. Students will examine how texts, narratives, and artistic movements reflect and shape contemporary social issues, identities, and cultural transformations. The curriculum spans multiple genres and cultural areas, emphasizing comparative methodologies and critical reading skills. Through close textual analysis and cross-cultural case studies, students will gain an understanding of how literature engages with topics such as migration, memory, conflict, and globalization, while developing interpretive tools for analyzing cultural production in today’s interconnected world.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of contemporary security challenges, intelligence practices, and the evolving landscape of terrorism. Students will examine the foundations of national and international security, the structure and functions of intelligence agencies, and the methodologies used to assess threats and prevent attacks. Key topics include counterterrorism strategies, risk analysis, radicalization pathways, and the geopolitical dimensions of global security. Through case studies, scenario-based discussions, and analysis of real-world intelligence failures and successes, students will develop critical skills in strategic thinking, threat evaluation, and policy assessment.

This course offers an in-depth study of organized crime systems and the global networks that sustain transnational mafias. Students will investigate the historical evolution, organizational structures, and economic activities of major criminal groups, with attention to illicit markets, money laundering, corruption, and the infiltration of legal economies. The curriculum also explores state responses, international cooperation, and the challenges of combating criminal enterprises operating across borders. Through comparative case analyses and interdisciplinary perspectives, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how organized crime adapts to global dynamics and influences political, economic, and social systems.

This course explores the principles, practices, and transformative potential of restorative justice within contemporary legal and community settings. Students will study restorative models that prioritize accountability, dialogue, and the repair of harm, examining how these approaches differ from traditional punitive systems. Key themes include victim–offender mediation, community conferencing, reintegration practices, and the ethical foundations of restorative processes. Through case studies and experiential activities, students will develop the ability to evaluate restorative initiatives, understand their psychological and social impacts, and consider their application in criminal justice policy and conflict resolution.