Norms, Deviance, and Social Control

Abstract

There is a great pressure in our society to be normal, and this course looks at how ideas of normal are created and defined. This course also looks at how norms are enforced, and what happens to people who violate norms. We examine different theories of deviance, and we will discuss such topics as crime, mental illness, beauty, and disability. We will...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Social Control

Resource Type(s):

Syllabus

Class Level(s):

College 200

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

This is a 2000 level course at a small college, and I have taught this course with a class size of about 35. The short writing assignments in particular are helpful in forming the basis for class discussions.

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will be able to express an understanding of what norms are and how they are created.
2. Students will be able to assess different theories of explaining why deviancy exists in our society.
3. Students will be able to articulate the different types of punishment for deviancy, and show a clear understanding of how the criminal justice system and the mental health system enforce norms for behavior.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Quizzes and a final exam will measure basic understanding of concepts, definitions, and applications of core material.
2. A series of 10 short writing assignments during the term will measure student ability to articulate, explain, and apply theories and concepts to empirical material.