Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, students are expected to

  • be familiar with comparative research on crime trends and approaches to crime control and punishment
  • be familiar with the literature on ‘Nordic exceptionalism’ and the discussions it has provoked
  • be able to critically discuss descriptions of, and explanations for, key trends in crime control and punishment practices in the Nordic countries

Contents

The course will explore strategies of crime control and punishment in the Nordic countries, with a particular emphasis on:

  • key trends in crime and crime control measures over time,
  • comparative perspectives on punishment
  • key explanations for the supposedly ‘exceptional’ punishment policies and practices in the Nordic countries,
  • the main criticisms of current penal practices

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures. Expected workload is about 135 hours.

Examinations

4 hours individual school exam. Graded on a scale, A-F.

Student evaluation

As a 5-credit course, we will only have a final evaluation using a standard questionnaire.

Offered as a free-standing course

No
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 10:44:05 AM