THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS

SOCIOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND SYLLABUS

Course Name : Deviance Course Number: SOC 3321 Semester: Fall 2005

Class Day: Thursday Class Time : 7 to 9:45 p.m. Classroom: MC 2.410

Instructor: Albert Richard, Jr. Office: GR 3.406 Office Hours: Th. 6 p.m.

Phone #s: Bus.: 214.352.5674, ext. 12 Home: 214.769.7682 E-Mail: albertrichardjr@earthlink.net

Campus E-Mail: trilog@utdallas.edu

Course Description: Analysis of historical and contemporary perspectives that propose the causes,
consequences, and cures for deviance. Description of theories, research, and public policy associated with
efforts to control deviant behavior and deviant groups, and to establish normalcy.

Course Purpose: To present a framework for understanding and analyzing the social construction of the
term “deviance,” and to explore scientific and political attempts to define, quantify and control deviant
populations.

Course Perspective : A sociological perspective, specifically, the interactionist perspective, is the primary
analytical framework for studying deviance and deviant populations. This social perspective differs from
the psychological, or essentialist, notion of a defined concrete deviant reality. The implications for
understanding and response between these two perspectives will be explored.

Course Requirements:

Exams : Four tests, two for each of the required texts. Each exam will include lecture material.
80% of grade.

Research Project: Each student is required to select a topic for study to be approved by the
instructor. Student will obtain four research reports from academic, peer reviewed journals on this
topic. Student will then make a brief presentation to the class based on these four sources. Grade
will be based on the quality of the reports selected and the students ability to discuss the material
and answer questions from the class and instructor. The research topic can concern the
measurement of deviant populations, treatment of particular types of deviance, the social status of
particular deviants, the historical development of certain types of deviance, or any other aspect of
deviance approved by the instructor. 20% of grade.

Attendance. It is required that students attend class. Role will be taken and credit for attending is
given only for being present the entire period. One unexcused absence is allowed for the semester
and two excused absences, if they are accounted for in writing to the instructor. Each absence
beyond these three, no matter what the reason will result in a two point reduction of the final
grade. The two excused absences must be substantial and significant. Failure to convince the
instructor that any absence was unavoidable or reasonably necessary will result in the two point
reduction. Students who fail to attend the first day of class have used their unexcused absence.
Students may redeem a two point reduction by writing a one page research paper approved by the
instructor on a topic other than the one student uses for the “research project.”

Class Participation. All students are encouraged to ask questions and voice opinions. Respect and
courtesy are expected from everyone.
 Academic Honesty. All students are expected to do their own work and to behave ethically in all
aspects of the class. Any indications of dishonesty or cheating will be referred to the appropriate
university authorities.

Texts: Rubington, Earl & Weinberg, Martin S. Deviance: The Interactionist Perspective, 9th ed. Boston:
Allyn and Bacon, 2005. Cohen, Stanley Folk Devils and Moral Panics, 3rd ed. London, 2002.

Course Schedule:

Class # Date Assignment

1 8-18 Introduction to course content and requirements
2 8-25 “Deviance,” Part I
3 9-1 “Deviance,” Part II; submit research proposal
4 9-8 Exam 1; Deviance in a complex society
5 9-15 “Deviance,” Part III
6 9-22 “Deviance,” Part IV; submit research bibliography
7 9-29 “Deviance,” Part IV
8 10-6 Exam 2; Corporate rationality and deviance
9 10-13 “Folk Devils,” ch. 1; class presentations
10 10-20 “Folk Devils,” ch. 2-3; class presentations
11 10-27 Exam 3; deviance and interventions
12 11-3 “Folk Devils,” ch. 4; class presentations
13 11-10 “Folk Devils,” ch. 5; class presentations
14 11-17 “Folk Devils,” ch 6; class presentations
15 12-1 Exa m 4