Course Description

Theories and research on the nature of deviant behavior and its control by social institutions, agencies, and groups.

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Athena Title

Deviance and Social Control

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Semester Course Offered

Offered every even-numbered year.

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Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

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Course Objectives

1. Critically evaluate the empirical and theoretical implications of various conceptions of deviance and social control 2. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of major theories of deviance 3. Assess the validity and reliability of current measures of deviance 3. In-depth knowledge of selected forms of deviance [e.g., mental disorders, cults, violence, suicide]or selected forms of social control [e.g., punishment, violence, avoidance.]

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Topical Outline

Past and present conceptions of deviance and social control Linkages among social structure/culture, deviance, and mechanisms of social control Official and unofficial measures of deviance Social psychological and structural theories of deviance Varieties of social control Measuring and explaining rates of social control

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