We will cover a wide range of topics, including the nature of deviance, its causes and consequences, and some of the ways in which our society responds to various types of deviant behaviors. Since it is such a broad area, we will not be able to cover every aspect of it in great detail. Instead, we will focus on some of the major issues in the field and discuss what is known about these issues from a sociological perspective.
Deviant behavior is a pervasive feature of social life.
Some of it may seem fascinating or even titillating, and some of it may seem threatening or repulsive. Although we can never completely put aside our feelings, we should try to control them as much as possible and approach the study of deviance rationally and intellectually. This is not always easy to do, so we must all help by reminding one another that we are engaged in an intellectual enterprise. I will take attendance on a regular basis. Your final grade in the course is based upon two midterm exams, a final exam, two position papers, and class participation.