Introductory description

This module aims to tell the story of the rise and fall of large--scale organised crime groups during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Students will be asked to engage with literature from history, criminology, and political science.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Session 1 What is organized crime?
Session 2 Early forms of organized crime
Session 3 The Japanese Yakuza
Session 4 The Chinese Tongs
Session 5 The Italian Mafia 1: Beginnings
Session 6 The Italian Mafia 2: Smuggling
Session 7 The Italian Mafia 3: The State
Session 8: Globalisation
Session 9: The Colombian Cartels
Session 10: The Mexican Cartels

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• To evaluate and critique the relationship between organised crime and capitalism
• To evaluate and critique the relationship between organised crime and state formation
• To engage with historiographical debates and think about the history and legacy of different historical concepts
• To encourage independent research, historiographical engagement, and the development of critical analysis
• To gain interpersonal and communication skills through the delivery of a presentation

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Interdisciplinary

History, Criminology, Anthropology, Political Science

Subject specific skills

See learning outcomes

Transferable skills

Work effectively with others in group tasks and in teams; Plan and manage time in projects; Develop strong analytical skills; Use appropriate analytic methods to analyse texts on crime, state and capitalism. Read academic papers effectively in the context of an intensive programme; Communicate clearly and effectively in discussions; Communicate ideas effectively in writing.