Sociology of Deviance

Spring 05 -- Dr. Jackie Eller

FLEXIBLE WEEKLY SCHEDULE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Contents of this Page

TEXTS | COURSE DESCRIPTION | COURSE OBJECTIVES | STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES | GRADING | OFFICE/OFFICE HOURS | FLEXIBLE OUTLINE

TEXTS

Constructions of Deviance: Social Power, Context, and Interaction, 4th edition
Patricia Adler and Peter Adler
Deviance: The Interactionist Perspective, 9th edition

Earl Rubington and Martin Weinberg

As the shifting sands of morality in American culture continue to transform our culture, deviance and its changing definitions are at the fore.
...they take seriously the perspective that public definitions of public problems are the outcomes and continual objects of claims that interested groups put forth in public arenas.
Joseph Gusfield

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to explore the how/what/why of behavior and appearances that have come to be defined as social deviance.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  • Critically analyze the way social structures and social interaction create, maintain and change the experience and expression of deviance.
  • Acquaint the student with sociological and social-psychological theories and research of deviant behavior.
  • Acquaint the student with relevant historical perspectives of deviance as it relates to social change.
  • Acquaint the student with issues of deviance within various institutions such as family, religion, media, sport, health care, work and politics.
  • Acquaint the student with class, race/ethnicity, and gender issues as they relate to deviance.
  • Enable the student to critically analyze the construction of deviance and the future of deviant labeling

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Go to the department website for useful information about upcoming events (like the events for National Women's History Month or Anthropologica ), scholarships, tests, plagiarism and how to avoid it, jobs or graduate school, faculty profiles, upcoming course schedules, and so on. Department of Sociology and Anthropology

2. In addition to the usual expectations of attendance and preparation, -- read, think, and write -- you are expected to read your syllabus, understand what is expected of you, and contribute to class discussions. It is strongly encouraged that you work with other students and ask questions in class. The time we spend together will be devoted to lectures, discussions, and exercises. Remember you have something valuable to say and what you learn from this class will be in proportion to what you put into it. It is also YOUR responsibility to acquire notes or handouts if you should miss class.

3. Three exams (125 pts. each).  An unexcused missed exam scores zero. If excused, you will be able to make up that one, but only that one exam.

4. Book or Article Critiques – Choices Due Mar 4, Final Project Due April 15; 125 pts. – See discussion link below

GRADING

Assume I do not grade on a curve. Final grades will be computed through a simple tally of points using the following scale:

460 - 500 A (92%)
450 - 459 B+ (90%)
420 - 449 B (84%)
410 - 419 B- (82%)
400 - 409 C+ (80%)
370 - 399 C (74%)
360 - 369 C- (72%)
350 - 359 D+ (70%)
320 - 349 D (64%)
310 - 319 D- (62%)
< 310 F

OFFICE/OFFICE HOURS

e-mail: jaeller@mtsu.edu
webpage: http://www.mtsu.edu/~jaeller

1417 E. Main (Sociology and Anthropology Annex) 898-2125 FAX 904-8589
MWF 8:30-10:00; M 2:30-4:30; TR 1:30-4:30; W 2:30-4:00  
Other times by appointment.
Any student with a special need concerning taking notes, exams, etc., should contact me as soon as possible so that we might work out arrangements.

Book/Articles

 

Assignment discussion

Total points for this assignment: 125 Due: April 15

FLEXIBLE OUTLINE

Syllabus for MW

Syllabus for MWF