Neighbourhoods and Crime

Course goals

Please note: the information in the course manual is binding.

Please note that this course has a maximum capacity of 40 students

Participation is only possible for registered students. 
In case of oversubscription, students will be admitted by drawing of lots.
Be aware this course is 5 EC. It’s not possible to extend this course to 7.5 EC

After completion of the course, the student

• can recognize, describe and compare the most important perspectives on the interactions between residential segregation, collective efficacy, criminality, (perceived) safety, mobility and the built environment.
• can describe, apply and critically reflect on policies and planning approaches to issues of crime and safety in cities and neighbourhoods.

Content

The following main themes will be dealt with during this course:

1. How does residential segregation differ between countries? How can residential segregation be explained and how successful are policies aimed at combating segregation?
2. What is the effect of the neighbourhood context on the risk among adolescents to become involved in criminal activities or other acts of uncivil behaviour? What role does the spatial context play in the risk of becoming victim of a crime? What are the mechanisms that may be responsible for the occurrence of these neighbourhood effects?
3. What is the role of collective efficacy in reducing neighbourhood disorder and crime? How can collective efficacy be stimulated?
4. What is the role of the built environment in the (perceived) safety of the neighbourhood? What role can urban design play in reducing criminality?
5. What is the role of geography in the causes and effects of incarceration?
6. Actual and perceived safety while being on the move.