Sociology of Deviance

Spring 06 -- Dr. Jackie Eller

Contents of this Page

TEXTS

Readings in Deviant Behavior, 4^th edition --

Alex Thio and Thomas Calhoun

Pearson (ISBN: 0205454526)

Elite Deviance, 8^th edition –

David Simon

Pearson (ISBN: 0205443982

(Recommended) The Deviance Process, 3^rd edition –

Erdwin H. Pfuhl and Stuart Henry

NY: Aldine de Gruyter

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 social deviance.
Acquaint the student with sociological and social-psychological theories and research of deviant behavior.
Acquaint the student with relevant historical perspectives of social deviance as it relates to social change.
Acquaint the student with issues of social 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 social deviance.
Enable the student to critically analyze the construction of social deviance and the future of deviant labeling

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Go to the department or university website for useful information about upcoming events (like the events for the African-American History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March), 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 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) – 2/17, 3/27, 5/3 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 OR Elite deviance project– Choices Due 3/3, Final Project Due 4/24; 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

Todd Bldg Rm. 303; 898-2125 FAX 904-8589
MWF 8:30-10:00; R 1:00-5:30
Please note that sometimes I must be at meetings so these hours should be considered typical office times, but not absolutely guaranteed times. Please call if you wish to meet with me. Other times are available 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. Further, if class is scheduled on a religious holiday you normally celebrate, it is your responsibility to let me know so that I might provide alternative notes arrangement.

Book/Articles/Elite Deviance

Assignment discussion

Total points for this assignment: 125 Due: April 24

FLEXIBLE OUTLINE

Syllabus

How to get to Sociological Abstracts:

1. go to library website

2. link to Research Gateway

3. link to Sociology

4. link to Soc Abstracts

5. search for author +”title”

6. go to full-text linking or sometimes just to linking (may need to do this on campus to assure access)