1. Bachelor’s degree with a major in social- or behavioural science or medicine.

2. English B.

The aim of the course is for the student to acquire knowledge about victimology (the study of crime victims), as a field of study.

The course addresses victimology as a research area both internationally and in Sweden. Central concepts and definitions are discussed as well as explanatory models of victimization and methods to study victimization. Characterization of different victim groups is also discussed.

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to

1. apply concepts and explanatory models to the different knowledge fields of victimology,

2. explain the methods employed in research of victimization, and

3. analyze the situation of highly vulnerable groups.

The teaching takes the form of lectures, and seminars based on the themes covered by the course.

Learning outcomes 1-3 are assessed based on written assignments, active participation at the seminars and through a take-home exam. The main focus in assessing the take-home exam is on the students’ ability to apply relevant explanatory models and their ability to discuss methods of analysis and ethical considerations related especially to vulnerable groups.

Right to re-examination

A student who fails to achieve a passing grade in the course examination will be given the opportunity to be re-examined twice according to same course content and with the same requirements. In addition, students also have the right to be examined on the same course the next time the course is offered according to the same regulations. If the course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student has a right to re-examination on two occasions within one year, based on the syllabus that was in place at the time the student registered for the course. Examination and re-examination take place at the times specified in the course guide.

Ditton, J, Farrall, S, Bannister, J, Gilchrist, E & Pease, K (1999) Reactions to Victimization: Why has Anger been Ignored? Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal, 1/3:37-54. 18 pages.

Gabriel, U & Greve, W (2003) The Psychology of Fear of Crime. Conceptual and Methodological Perspectives. British Journal of Criminology, 43:600-614. 14 pages.

Hale, C (1996) Fear of Crime: A Review of the Literature. International Review of Victimology, 4:79-150. 70 pages.

Karmen, A (2009) Crime Victims: An Introduction to Victimology (7th edition). Florence: Wadsworth Publishing. 400 pages.

Martens, P (2001) Immigrants as victims of crime. International Review of Victimology, 8 (2):199-216. 20 pages.

Moriarty, L., J (2008). Controversies in victimology (2nd edition). Anderson.

Smith, W R & Torstensson, M (2001) Perceived Risk and Fear of Crime: Gender Differences in Contextual Sensitivity. International Review of Victimology, 8 (2):159-181. 20 pages.

Additional articles from scientific journals will also be included.

The course coordinator/examiner is responsible for ensuring that a summary course evaluation is conducted at the end of the course. The coordinator will relay these results to the students at a prearranged time. Memory notes from the feedback, including proposals for changes to the course, will be documented and made available on the course website, and will also be relayed to the students who begin the course the next time it is given.