In this course we examine the social sources of and reactions to deviant behavior, ranging from the mundane experiences in our everyday lives to the more extreme cases of rule-breaking behaviors. Because deviance can only be understood in its social context, we will focus on sociological approaches to the problem of deviance, emphasizing social constructionists' and conflict theorists' perspectives. We will cover a range of topics, including research on deviance, the social construction of deviance, creating and maintaining deviant identities, organizational deviance, cyberdeviance, and sexual deviance. Issues concerning public policy and societal reactions to deviance will be discussed and critically assessed.

Course Objectives

• To introduce conflict, interactionist, and constructionist social theories as they apply to deviant and criminal behavior.

• To foster an appreciation for the relatively thin line that separates what may be considered deviance from normalcy in everyday life.

• To develop research skills for assessing the construction and maintenance of deviant behaviors.

• To stimulate critical discussion of the viability of public beliefs, governmental programs, and public policies aimed at controlling deviant behaviors.

Reading Materials (these are core texts: they may change from semester to semester; additional materials will be posted on the course web page)

• McCaghy, Charles H., T. A. Capron, and J. D. Jamieson. 2003. Deviant Behavior: Crime, Conflict, and Interest Groups , Sixth Ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon

• Adler, Patricia and P. Adler. 2003. Constructions of Deviance: Social Power, Context, and Interaction , Fourth Ed. Belmont, CA:

DEPARTMENT NEWS

KATZ JOINS DEPARTMENT

C. WRIGHT MILLS AWARD APPLICATION 07-08