GENERAL INFORMATION
PROFESSOR INFORMATION
Instructor:
Dr. Maria Aysa-Lastra
Phone:
(305) 348-2258
Office:
SIPA 311 (MMC)
Fax:
(305) 348-3605
Office
Hours:
By appointment
E-mail:
Please use Blackboard
messages
Website:
http://gss.fiu.edu/people/facu
lty/mara-aysa-lastra/
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines so-called “deviant behavior” with regard to issues such as interpersonal violence,
mental disorder, suicide, sexuality, and substance use and abuse; their relationships with patterns of
society and culture; their interplay with cyberspace; and ways that they vary around the world
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
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Define under what circumstances is behavior defined as “deviant” or not?
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Recognize the insights that the sociological perspective provide for identifying “deviant” behavior.
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Identify perspectives that help us to make sense of specific kinds of “deviant” behavior, including the ways
that societies define, shape, and attempt to control them?
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Explain what insights we gain by examining “deviant” behavior in the context of diverse societies and
cultures around the world, past and present.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
POLICIES
Please review the policies page as it contains essential information regarding guidelines relevant to all courses
at FIU and additional information on the standards for acceptable etiquette important for online courses.
Additional Technical Requirements & Skills
You must know how to use an internet browser, navigate Blackboard, and have a reliable internet connection,
particularly at the time you are taking required exams.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
None
PROCTORED EXAM POLICY
All exams are to be completed on-line.
TEXTBOOK
Deviant Behavior, 10/E
Alex Thio
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon, 2009
ISBN: 978-0205693238
Click here to buy your textbook online at the FIU Bookstore.
EXPECTATIONS OF THIS COURSE
This is an online course, meaning that all of the course work will be conducted online. Expectations for
performance in an online course are the same as for a traditional course; in fact, online courses require a degree
of self-motivation, self-discipline, and technology skills that can make them more demanding for some students.
Students are expected to:
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Review the how to get started information located in the course content
Introduce yourself to the class during the first week by posting a self-introduction in the
appropriate discussion forum
Take the practice quiz to ensure that your computer is compatible with Blackboard
Interact online with instructor/s and peers
Review and follow the course calendar
Log in to the course at least two times per week
Respond to discussion boards, blogs and journal postings once a week.
Respond to emails within 3 days
Submit assignments by the corresponding deadline
The instructor will :
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Log in to the course 4 times per week
Respond to discussion boards, blogs and journal postings within 2 days
Respond to emails and messages] within 2 days
Grade assignments within 4 days of the assignment deadline
COURSE DETAILS
COURSE COMMUNICATION
Communication in this course will take place via Blackboard messages.
The message feature is a private, internal Blackboard only communication system. Users must log on to the
blackboard system to send/receive/read messages. There are no notifications in Blackboard to inform users when
a new message has been received; therefore, it is recommended that students check their messages routinely to
ensure up-to-date communication.
This is the best method to communicate with your instructor privately.
ASSIGNED DISCUSSIONS
Keep in mind that forum discussions are public, and care should be taken when determining what to post.
Students are required to post to the discussion forum in response to the weekly instructor’s
discussion questions. There are 6 discussion questions. Each post will be graded according to the
rubrics (see details below).
The discussion forum questions emphasize the course’s web-link readings. Peruse the readings to
find information that is relevant to a specific discussion question; students are not required to write
about all of a given week’s web-link readings.
Students are encouraged to post multiple commentaries for each discussion forum topic: only the
first post that each student makes will be evaluated according to the discussion forum rubrics, as
presented below. Each student’s initial post will be graded.
After posting in response to the instructor’s questions, students are encouraged to posting
informally to continue the dialog with each other and with the instructor.
Discussion posts 1-6 are due by Sunday, 11:55pm, of each Monday- Sunday course week for
which a question is assigned. (detailed deadlines listed in the tasks for each module)
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Discussions are worth 20% of your grade
You should write and submit one discussion each week on the questions provided for each
module. Each question is posted in the corresponding weekly module
You should post 6 discussions; one of each of the questions posted every week and
complete it before the deadline.
You should submit your assigned discussion on the corresponding discussion board
I will use Turnitin to verify the originality of selected discussion posts
Students must answer the question posted, and include an explanation of how the theories
on deviant behavior are applied to the cases posted.
Your answer should include between 200 and 500 words
You must write your own discussion first, and the react to at least one of your classmates
posts.
The answers posted in the discussion board will be graded in the order they are submitted.
Do not read what other students have posted in the discussion board before submitting
your own post. I will look for original answers.
It is very important that students incorporate in their answers applications of the theories on
deviant behavior.
Your opinions are important, but they should be linked to the case under study and
presented within the frameworks provided. Providing your opinions without referring to the
core concepts included in the lecture notes and the textbook assigned chapters, shows
that either you are not reading the required materials or that you have a poor
understanding of it.
Items to consider when writing your discussion.
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Relevance to assigned material: the posted ideas indicate that the student has read the
assigned material.
Clarity and coherence.
Critical thinking: there is evidence that the student has adequately analyzed, synthesized,
and evaluated the assigned material.
Your discussion includes a question for further discussion on the topic. The posting
articulates a question for discussion that pertains to the assigned material.
Spelling, grammar: the posting must meet university-level standards of spelling and
grammar.
Length: the initial posting for each weekly module must be no less than 25 lines.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE GRADED
Rubric
Clearly and coherently answer the question posted (1 point)
Poses a question for discussion (1 point)
Includes theoretical concepts (2 points)
Includes explanations on the application of the concepts (4 points)
University-level standards for spelling and grammar and professional demeanor
(2 points)
Timeframe for grade: 4 days
EXAMS
In order to mitigate any issues with your computer and online assessments, it is very important that you take the
"Practice Quiz" from each computer you will be using to take your graded quizzes and exams. It is your
responsibility to make sure your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements.
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Exams are worth 80% of your grade
You must complete all six exams to earn a passing grade.
The material for each module will be evaluated separately at the end of the week. There are
no cumulative exams.
Each exam contains 20 questions. Each question is worth 2 points, for a total of 40 points.
The exam is an individual assignment. You should not communicate with your peers. You
can consult the textbook.
The exams are located in the Quizzes’ section.
The exams are composed of multiple choice and True/False questions. Each question has
only one correct answer.
You will receive your grade as soon as you finished the exam.
LIBRARY ASSIGNMENTS
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Library Assignments are extra credit opportunities. There are 2 assignments, each worth 10
points.
Be sure you have access off-campus access to the library digital databases:
https://login.ezproxy.fiu.edu/login . You can use your e-mail account and your FIUMyAccounts password.
You will find a detailed step by step guide on how to complete this assignment. Follow all
directions provided
Due Dates
This is an individual assignment
You should submit your assignment in the assignments drop-box in Blackboard
You should complete all questions. Rubric included in the step-by-step guide.
Timeframe for grade: 4 days
GRADING
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
WEIGHT
Online Exams (6 – One per week, 40 points each)
80%
Discussion / Participation (6 - One per week – 10 points each)
20%
Extra credit ( 2 - Digital Library assignments – 10 points each)
0%
Total
100%
LETTER
GRADE
RANGE
LETTER
GRADE
RANGE
LETTER
GRADE
RANGE
A
Above 279 pts.
B-
251-243 pts.
D+
212-201 pts.
A-
276-273 pts.
C+
242-231 pts.
D
200-192 pts.
B+
270-261 pts.
C
222-230 pts.
D-
191-183 pts.
B
260-252 pts.
C-
221-213 pts.
F
< 182 pts.
COURSE CALENDAR
MODULE WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Module 1: Perspectives and Theories
May 7th – May 14th
Learning Objectives:
 Identify the perspectives and theories on deviance
 Describe the main elements of each perspective
 Identify the man theorists for each perspective and their main contributions
 Compare the anomie-strain theory, the social learning theory and the control theory
 Compare the labeling theory and phenomenological theory and conflict theories
Tasks:
 Read and study the lecture notes
 Read Chapters 1, 2 and 3 in the Thio textbook
 Read the following articles
‘Prostitution laws facing overhaul’ BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3898009.stm
‘How the Dutch protect their prostitutes’ BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6178793.stm
‘Sex Slaves’ Frontline PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/slaves/
 Write and submit Discussion Post 1 (due by Sunday May 13, 23:55 hrs.):
Question: To what extent does prostitution constitute “deviant” behavior from the perspectives of a (a) positivist
theories and (b) constructionist theories?
 Complete and submit Library assignment I (due by Sunday May 13, 23:55 hrs.)
 Complete Exam I (May 14th – the exam opens at 0:01 and closes at 23:55 hrs.)
 Watch the video: Philippine Women Seek Apology and Retribution from the Japanese Years after World War II
 Complete Studymate questions
Module 2: Interpersonal Violence
May 13th – May 21st
Learning Objectives:
 Identify types of interpersonal violence
 Explain the two theories of deviance relevant for the study of homicide
 Identify patterns of rape
 Describe the consequences of rape
 Define “culture of rape” and list the attitudes that prevail and sustain it.
 Describe the theories to explain rape
 Define family violence
 Describe family violence patterns in the U.S.
 Define marital rape, wife beating and explain its consequences
 Describe types of child and elder abuse
 Identify the main theories to explain family violence
Tasks:
 Read and study the lecture notes
 Read Chapter 4, 5 and 6 in the Thio textbook
 Read the following articles
‘A time limit on rape’ Time Magazine http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1584786,00.html
‘More stories emerge of rapes in post-Katrina chaos’ NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5063796
‘Trauma of Pakistan's rape victims’ BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6433357.stm
'Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN)’ http://www.rainn.org/
Child Molestation Research and Prevention Institute
http://www.childmolestationprevention.org/pages/prevention_plan.html
'Innocence Lost: The Plea’ – Frontline PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/innocence/
 Write and submit Discussion Post 2 (due by Sunday May 20, 23:55 hrs.)
Answer the following question: Choose one or more of the web selections.
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To what degree do the examples you chose illustrate a “culture of rape”?
Complete Exam II (May 21st – the exam opens at 0:01 and closes at 23:55 hrs.)
Watch the video: What’s Legal, What’s Right in Reporting Abuse
Complete Studymate questions
Module3 : Self-Destructive Deviance
May 21st – May 28th
 Learning Objectives:
 Identify theories of suicide
 Describe the main elements of Durkheim’s theory
 Identify types of mental disorders
 Explain the problems behind the DSM-IV classification
 Identify social factors related to mental health
 Explain the different perspectives on mental disorder
Tasks:
 Read and study the lecture notes
 Read Chapters 7 and 8 in the Thio textbook
 Read the following articles
'Mental illness at the root of jazz’ BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1430337.stm
‘Synesthesia and the synesthetic experience’ Massachusetts Institute of Technology
http://web.mit.edu/synesthesia/www/
‘Racial disparities found in pinpointing mental illness’ Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/27/AR2005062701496.html
‘Study links famine, increase in mental illness’ NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4818769
‘Dealing with mental health’ BBC: Living with Bipolar Disorder
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/headroom/bipolar/bipolar.pdf
 Write and submit Discussion Post 3 (due by Sunday May 27, 23:55 hrs.)
Choose either of the following questions and answer it:
1) To what extent do the readings illustrate problems with the premise that certain personality traits constitute
“disorder”?
2) To what extent do the readings illustrate the role of social inequality in the construction of “deviance”?
 Complete Exam III (May 28th – the exam opens at 0:01 and closes at 23:55 hrs.)
 Watch the video: Teen Suicide Mounts on Wind River Reservation
 Complete Studymate questions
Module 4: Diverse Lifestyles
May 28th – June 4th
Learning Objectives:
 Identify forms of heterosexual deviance
 Describe the social consequences of pornography
 Explain the main theories of prostitution
 Describe the Kinsey-Heterosexual-Homosexual continuum
 Identify theories of homosexuality
 Define homophobia
 Describe its consequences
 Define stigma
Tasks:
 Read and study the lecture notes
 Read Chapters 9 and 10 in the Thio textbook
 Read the following articles
‘Fear and loathing in gay India’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4304081.stm
‘Tribe blesses lesbian marriage’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6212756.stm
‘Ghana’s secret gay community’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6445337.stm
‘Assault on gay America’ Frontline PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/assault/
‘Gay pop music: Three albums reflect the rise of gay civil rights’ NPR – June 22, 2003
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1306240
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Write and submit Discussion Post 4 (due by Sunday June 3rd, 23:55 hrs.)
Choose two or more of this section’s web selections and answer the following question
What insights do positivist theories and constructionist theories provide with respect to the examples of gays
and lesbians in societies around the world?
Which theoretical approach provides the most insight, and why?
Complete Exam IV (June 4th – the exam opens at 0:01 and closes at 23:55 hrs.)
Watch the video: Gay Rights Groups ‘Don’t Ask Survey’
Complete Studymate questions
Module 5: Substance Use and Abuse
June 4th – June 11th
Learning Objectives:
 Explain why drug use is a social problem
 Identify theories that explain drug use
 Identify consequences of alcohol abuse
 Describe the social factors in drinking
 Explain positivist theories of alcoholism
Tasks:
 Read and study the lecture notes
 Read Chapters 11 and 12 in the Thio textbook
 Read the following articles
‘Thai PM says officials peddling drugs’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2774983.stm
‘The Meth Epidemic’ Frontline PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/
‘Treating substance abuse in teens’ NPR
http://www.npr.org/programs/atc/features/2003/mar/treating_teens/index.html
‘Alcohol’ Parts One-Four, BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/documentary_archive/4931750.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/documentary_archive/4931854.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/documentary_archive/4977242.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/documentary_archive/4766315.stm
 Write and submit Discussion Post 5 (due by Sunday June 17th 23:55 hrs.)
Choose one or more of this section’s web selections and answer the following questions:
What insights do positivist theories and constructionist theories provide with respect to the examples
of drug abuse?
Which theoretical approach provides the most insight, and why?
 Complete Exam V (June 18th – the exam opens at 0:01 and closes at 23:55 hrs.)
 Watch the video: Should Parents Drug Test Their Kids with Home Test Kits?
 Complete Studymate questions
Module 6: Inequality in Deviance
June 11th – June 18th
Learning Objectives:
 Define white collar deviance
 Define corporate deviance
 List deviant activities in white-collar occupations
 List the causes of white-collar deviance
 List the causes of governmental deviance
 Define underprivileged deviance
 List examples of underprivileged deviance
 Identify the characteristics of organized crime
Tasks:
 Read and study the lecture notes
 Read Chapters 13 and 14 in the Thio textbook
 Read the following articles
‘Wal-Mart: Rolling back workers’ wages, rights, and the American dream’
http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/dmdocuments/ARAWReports/WalmartReport_lowres.pdf
‘Is Wal-Mart Good for America?’ Frontline PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/
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‘India rebels making porn films’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4190570.stm
‘Street kids raid poverty summit’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6295633.stm
‘Sisters in law: Justice for women in Africa’ NPR http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5257337
‘A crime of insanity’ PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/crime/
Write and submit Discussion Post 6 (due by Sunday June 17th, 23:55 hrs.)
Choose both of this section’s web selections. In what ways do they illustrate “privileged deviance”?
Does the term “deviance” help or hinder our understanding of the case of Wal-Mart, and why?
Complete and submit Library assignment II (due by Sunday June 17th, 23:55 hrs.)
Complete Exam VI (June 18th – the exam opens at 0:01 and closes at 23:55 hrs.)
Watch the video: Accounting Problems Discovered at Enron
Complete Studymate questions