Course Listing

Crime: Introduction to Anthropology of Law
Last Updated Date:   8 July 2025


4 Units,  Semester 2

Course Description:
Crime is a classic subject of social anthropology, and especially of the anthropology of law. While early anthropological literature focused on questions of the definition of crime and the logic, forms and meanings of sanctions related to criminal acts, works (anthropological or related) in the last forty years have tended to analyze crime as a function or manifestation of broader social dynamics or relations. We will discuss these works and more recent research on the concept of reparation. Particular attention will be paid to Muslim contexts.

Course Convenor: Visiting A/P Yazid Ben-Hounet

Co-teacher(s): NA

Course Codes: LL4552 / LL5552 / LLJ5552 / LL6552

Contact Hours: 9 sessions over 3 weeks: Three 3-hour weekly seminars

Workload: Intensive: Weeks 4 – 6; Dates: 2 – 20 Feb 2026 [Mon: 6.30pm – 9.30pm, Wed: 6.30pm – 9.30pm & Fri: 3pm – 6pm] [*2 Make-up lessons for 16 & 18 Feb on 7 & 14 Feb (Sat: 9am – 12noon)]

Mode of Assessment: Class Participation - 20% & Research Paper - 80% [Due: Fri, 27 March 2026 (9pm)]

Preclusions: Nil

Prerequisites: NUS Compulsory Core Law Curriculum or common law equivalent.

Examination Date: Different Mode of Examination

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