COURSE DESCRIPTION AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course is an introduction to the general phenomenon of social deviance— a concept often misunderstood yet persistently used by societies to justify control (isolate, treat, correct, punish, execute) over particular types of people. The definition of ‘deviance’ is fleeting. Deviance has changed across societies, at different time-periods, and has been experienced differently by dissimilar types of people. Deviance is hard to pin-down. And arguably, what seems to be the only objective reality left in ‘deviance’ is its capacity to reveal the many other inequalities and injustices in society.
In this class, we will learn to examine how various sociological perspectives have viewed, interpreted, and ‘dealt with’ non-conformity and criminality. We will critically interrogate the social landscape of deviance using social scientific theories, sociological concepts, and empirical research as tools for analysis. As we cover the core theories and forms of deviance largely in terms of normative variations, delinquency, and criminality, we shall locate the local Filipino ‘deviant’ experience in the global context and juxtapose experiences of different societies.
By the end of the semester, each student must be able to:
Demonstrate comprehension of sociological concepts in the area of the sociology of deviance;
Formulate sociological analysis about different facets of deviance and social control;
Practice the ability to assess empirical evidence and identify and reflect on important issues in ethics which may arise in the study of deviance and social control; and
Exhibit critical thinking in the form of clear, evaluative statements during discussion and assessment activities in class.
- Teacher: Hannah Glimpse Nario-Lopez