Discovering Criminology: An Experience of Teaching Innovation

Abstract

[EN] The novel nature of university degree studies in criminology in Spain and Europe causes greater ignorance about what it is, and what functions this new science fulfils or can fulfil, especially among parents, schoolteachers, and high school students. Starting from this need, we proposed a project to promote the degree in criminology. The objective of this project was to involve the students of the degree in criminology so that they could disseminate in secondary education centres their experience and, essentially, the knowledge acquired and possible professional opportunities of criminology graduates. The students designed a series of recreational activities to disseminate the content and scope of criminology. Through gamification, different goals were achieved: acquiring basic knowledge of criminological content, promoting active participation, community‑based learning, while confirming the importance of criminology for society, as well as its autonomy and independence compared to other disciplines such as criminal law or criminalistics.