SOCY 443 - Deviance

“Why be normal?” some ask. We’ve all been deviant now and then, for better or worse. Why do people step outside the boundaries and deviate? From criminals in the streets and criminals in the suites… to drug abusers and sexual deviants… to simply not fitting in, we’ll look at how and why people stray from conformity. This course explores major sociological theories of deviance and examines the socio-political dynamics surrounding definitions of “morality.” “normalcy,” and “goodness” in societies. Particular attention is given to sociological approaches to criminality, “mental disorder,” drug/alcohol use, and sexuality.