Course Description

 Course Description:Deviance and Social Control

Introduction to psychological and sociological theories of deviance with attention to the development of deviant identity, stigma management, and the cultural construction of deviance and social control of particular individuals and groups.  Cross-listed with SOCL 219.

The study of deviance and social control is one of the most important topics in the fields of sociology and criminology.  The early founders of the field began their studies by trying to answer the question of why some people conform in a society and others engage in behaviors that are perceived as harmful or abnormal in society.

Deviance is defined as the violation of cultural social norms of a particular society.  Historically the course was actually referred to as the study of nuts, sluts n-d perverts.  However, what is defined as deviant and criminal in a society is constantly in a state of flux and is not constant across societies.  For instance, polygamy, prostitution, gambling, homosexuality, alcohol and drug use are all behaviors that have been subject to different perceptions and laws historically.  For instance, prostitution is not only considered deviant but is a violation of criminal law in 49 states, but it is actually legal in certain areas of Nevada.  lcohol consumption was illegal during the probation period of the U.S. in the -1920s, but cocaine was a major ingredient in coca cola drinks.   It is also considered one of the most interesting for students since this is the course where phenomena such as crime, drug abuse and sexual behavior are examined. 

In this course we will cover the major sociological theories used to explain what is defined as deviant or criminal in our society.  After covering the major sociological theories used to explain deviance, we will explore the major methodologies used by social scientists to study and measure deviant behavior and crime.

Popular films from Hollywood, classic television shows, -music, and other components of the popular culture will be used extensively in the course as a tool to help students understand the importance role that popular culture plays in the construction of what is perceived and defined as deviant or criminal in our society.

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The major requirement for the course is a field research proposal where students will have the opportunity to chose a topic and engage in field research to examine the phenomena in detail.

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Because the field of deviance covers a number of topics that are politically controversial and  might make students uncomfortable at times,  it  is very i-mportant that students exercise a great deal of maturity and maintain an open mind when reading certain materials and listening to lectures and guest speakers. 

Required Readings:   Constructions of Deviance: Social Power, Context, and Interaction, 5th Edition or later.  Patricia A. Adler - University of Colorado and Peter Adler - University of Denver.  ISBN-10: 0495003727  |  ISBN-13 Links to an external site.: 9780495003724