SOC2207 - 02 - Deviant Behavior & Social Controls

The class focuses on the sociological study of the social construction of deviant behaviors and society's response to those behaviors deemed "deviant." These behaviors and the influence of social controls will be examined from positivist and social constructionist sociological and criminological perspectives. A range of behaviors will be covered, including but not limited to heterosexual deviance, interpersonal violence, sexual violence, alcoholism, illegal drug use, and internet deviance. The main goals of this course are to: 1) expand students' knowledge of deviant behaviors, 2) acknowledge and understand the subjectivity of such behaviors, 3) learn related theoretical perspectives and empirical research, 4) examine the role social controls (and labeling) play in defining deviant behaviors and societal responses to these behaviors.