Instructor: Patricia Pakvis
Office: Rm. 210 Merici Wing, St. James Bldg.
Phone: 432-8353 x28279
E-mail: pakvis@uwo.ca
Web Page: http://publish.uwo.ca/~pakvis/
Lecture Times: Tuesdays 6:30 - 9:30 PM.
Location: Room 201 St. James Bldg.
Office Hours: Tuesdays 6 - 6:30 PM.
Course Objectives:
As a result of studying this subject students can expect to understand
and be able to differentiate between the sociological perspectives and
theories used in the analysis of ‘deviance’ and will develop the
ability to apply these perspectives to real world situations. As well,
students will become familiar with various forms of deviant behaviour,
with special emphasis on Canadian deviance.
Evaluation:
Evaluation in the course will be based on class participation (10%)
, a first semester research paper (20%), a second semester presentation
and paper (20%), a midterm exam (20%), and a final exam (30%).
Course Overview:
Deviance is a varied and fascinating social phenomenon. Definitions
of deviance and theories about it vary historically and cross-culturally.
Through a combination of lectures, discussions, readings, and videos, we
will explore how some definitions become predominant and are then maintained
by social institutions such as the state, the media, and religion for the
regulation and control of 'deviant' groups. Various forms of deviance in
our society will also be investigated..
In the first semester, we will examine the historical context of deviance
and classical explanations developed to explain deviant behaviour in the
past and we will then look at contemporary explanations used to theorize
about deviance today. Some of the modern theoretical perspectives
considered in the course will include: biological, psychoanalytic, and
psychological theories, social control theories, interaction theories,
social learning theories, conflict theories, and functionalist or strain
theories. We will also look at. individual and societal reactions
to deviance and various mechanisms of social control.. We will be using
Linda Deutschmann’s text, Deviance and Social Control , supplemented by
readings in the Thio and Calhoun text. The format of the class will be
primarily lectures and films, followed by a short discussion period during
which you are encouraged to share your own knowledge and experience, as
well as articles from your scrapbook (see below.).
The second semester of the course will focus on the particular
forms of both criminal and non-criminal deviance found in contemporary
North American society. Topics to be considered will include violence,
rape and other forms of sexual aggression, professional deviance, and mental
and physical disabilities deemed as "deviant" in our culture.. During this
part of the course, the class will be structured more in a seminar style
with student presentations and discussions followed by a brief lecture.
You will be responsible for preparing a presentation and leading a class
discussion (see details, below) on selected readings taken from the supplementary
text, Readings in Deviant Behavoir (Thio and Calhoun) or the reserve readings
at the library.
Participation:
Participation, attendance, and active involvement with the course material
is an important component of the course and will be worth 10% of the final
mark. You are invited to bring to class for discussion news articles or
video clips related to current topics and bring forth your ideas about
them in class during informal discussion periods to be held during the
last hour of each class.
Essay:
In the first semester, you will write a 7 - 10 page research
paper for the purpose of critically applying, comparing, and evaluating
two major deviance perspectives using a novel such as Tracy Kidder’s
Hometown or John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
(see full list, below.) The essay will be due in class on November
25 and is worth 20% of the final mark.
Presentation:
In the second semester, you will be responsible for critically reading
a selection of articles from Deviant Behavoir (Thio and Calhoun), researching
the topic, and giving an analytical and illustrative presentation on the
selection, after which you will lead a class discussion on the topic.
You will then write up your presentation as a more formal short (4-6 pages)
research paper, incorporating relevant discussion material if appropriate
and submitting it one week after your presentation. The presentation and
paper are worth 20% of your final mark.
Click Here For Presentation and
Essay Guidelines
Presentation Materials
Athletes and Performance Enhancing Drugs by Theresa Klachan
Racism and Prejudice by Kerry-Ann O'Halloran and Adrianne Engleson
Midterm and Final Examinations:
There will be two examinations in this course to be held during the
December and April examination periods. Exams will be two hours in
length and will be composed of multiple choice, short answer and essay
style questions. The December exam is worth 20% and the April exam
is worth 30% of the final mark for this course.
Required Texts:
Deutschmann, Linda B. Deviance and Social Control 3rd edition. Toronto:
ITP Nelson.
Thio, A. and T. Calhoun (eds). Readings in Deviant Behavior 3rd edition.
Allyn and Bacon.
As well, you will need to beg, borrow, or buy one of the following books for your 1st semester essay:
Berendt, John Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Hawthorne, Nathaniel The Scarlet Letter
Kesey, Ken One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Kidder, Tracy Hometown
Piercy, Marge Woman on the Edge of Time