Understand and clarify the link between socio-historical change and social conceptions of deviance. Examine the relative nature of deviance and the relationship between social power, social change and collective definitions of deviant behavior. Develop an awareness of the distinction between understanding deviance as a social process embedded within the dynamic structure of society and deviance as an objective reality. Develop an awareness of the forces of social control, their relationship to social conceptions of deviance, and their implications for individual behavior and social policies of prevention and control. Develop an analysis of a current mode of socially defined deviance using the sociological perspective, relevant sociological theories, and current sociological research.
Tests begin at the start of class.
Tests will cover all assigned reading material, class lectures and discussions. Make-up exams will be given only under special circumstances. Students MUST notify the instructor before, or within 48 hours of, missing an exam to schedule a make-up. Excuses must be documented . Make-up exams for test 2 are extremely limited due to time constraints at the end of the semester.