Social Deviance
Sociology 330 - Spring 2015
Syllabus
Contact Information
Instructor
Jason Whitley MA
Lecturer
Department of Sociology
Office, Phone & Email
Office: BSS 520c
Office Hours: MW 3:00-4:00
or by appointment
Phone Number: 707-826-4569
Email: Jmw85@humboldt.edu
Meeting Time and Location
MW 5:00-6:50
As the shifting sands of morality in American culture continue to transform our culture,
deviance and its changing definitions are at the fore. . . they take seriously the
perspective that public definitions of public problems are the outcomes and continual
objects of claims that interested groups put forth in public arenas.
-Joseph Gusfield
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the core sociological concepts of
deviance, social order, social power, identity construction and identity management. In
this class we will work together to begin to apply the basics of the sociological
perspective, and to see how it differs from the other approaches that under gird the
basic individualistic perspective most people use to understand society and social life.
Course Objectives
We will use the topic of deviance to see how groups of people have the power to shape
social definitions and apply them onto others through laws, police, courts, and more
significantly, collectively held moral values. We will then consider the consequences of
this label for those defined as deviant. We will look at how people come to develop a
deviant identity and what that means to them in their everyday lives. I think you will
enjoy finding out about how both those inside and outside the corridors of power are
affected by the centrality of defining deviance, and at the same time learn about
different deviant subcultures and lifestyles.
Official Catalog Description:
“Outsiders” by virtue of age, physical status, ethnic heritage, socioeconomic status, or
social and occupational roles – elderly, disabled, poor, women, nonwhites, police
officers. Role engulfment, anomie, and alienation
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Learning Outcomes
The following learning outcomes are course, Department and University specific:
Course
By the end of the semester, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the relativist perspective of deviance
2. Identify the relationship between theories of deviance and existing research
3. Articulate the ethical and methodological issues associated with researching
deviant behavior
4. Communicate with precision and style in both writing and orally
Department
By the end of the semester, students should be able to:
1. Think critically about social justice efforts and inequalities in communities and
environments.
2. Develop a solid foundation in sociological theory.
3. Make linkages between empirical data and theoretical concepts.
4. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
University
By the end of the semester, students should have developed:
1. Effective communication through written and oral modes.
2. Critical and creative thinking skills in acquiring a broad knowledge base, and
applying it to complex issues.
3. Competence in a major area of study.
4. Appreciation for, and an understanding of, an expanded world perspective by
engaging respectfully with a diverse range of individuals, communities, and
viewpoints.
Course Readings
It is your responsibility to have completed the reading by the assigned dates.
Required Book (available in HSU Bookstore)
Heiner, Robert. 2014. Deviance Across Cultures. Oxford University Press.
Mohamed, A. Rafik and Erik Fritsvold. 2011. Dorm Room Dealers. Reinner Publishing.
Venkatesh, Sudhir. 2008. Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the
Streets. Penguin Books
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Grade Considerations
Components and Weight
 Attendance (10%)
It goes without saying that your attendance in this class is essential to everyone’s
learning! You must show up on time and stay the whole class period. If you
know you will be late or must leave early, simply contact me before class starts.
 Participation (10%)
I expect you to be an engaged and active learner. To that end, your participation
is critical to your success in this course. As a member of this class, you have a
responsibility to yourself and other members of the class to come prepared
having completed readings before class, participate, actively listen to lecture and
input from other members of the class, and ask questions. Please note that
disruptive behavior will negatively impact your class participation grade. (See
“Class Ground Rules” for more details on participation.)
 Norm Violation Paper (20%)
This will be a short (4-5 page) mini-paper covering your violation and analysis of
a social norm. Please note that this is not an excuse to simply commit pranks,
but a serious paper about the importance of norms in society. For this paper you
must select a norm and violate it. After gathering information about the behavior,
write a brief essay describing and analyzing this norm violation, the reactions of
others, and what you can theoretically infer from this. You will be expected to
relate these ideas to your discussions of the definition and social creation of
deviance. More information on this assignment will be provided in a separate
handout.
 Reading Responses 20%
Reading responses are reflections on assigned chapters/articles. Each response
will be a minimum of 350 words. Students are required to complete 5 responses
per semester. Each response should include the following three elements each
with its own distinct heading as listed.
Thesis:
A short summary of the thesis of the article. In other words, identify the main
point/argument that the author is trying to convey. A sentence or two
will often be enough to cover this.
Support:
A short summary of the evidence or reasoning the author uses to support the
thesis. A few sentences will often be enough to cover this area.
Reflection:
A reflection or response to the article from the student’s perspective. This could
include raising questions about the article, a critique of the thesis or evidence, a
reflection on how the reading relates to course material, thoughts about how the
reading relates to the student’s life or
experience, etc.
 Book Review (20%)
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Students will be required to review either Dorm Room Dealers or Gang Leader
for a Day. This paper will serve as your final project and substitute for the final
exam. A separate handout will be provided.
 Class Discussion Groups 20%
Students will be assigned to groups (4-5 students per group) to lead a discussion on
specific days during the semester in order to ensure that all students take an active role
in the course. Students should prepare to lead one meaningful discussion in class.
Content when leading discussion. The discussion group leaders must
communicate effectively a) the content/chief points of the material, b) the
important issues for the class to discuss and think about, and c) raise questions
about the material that provoke class discussion. Discussion leaders should be
able to field questions and stimulate students to draw connections between what
you have presented and what they already know.
Presenters are required to provide handouts for the class. If you wish to use a
video, please ask me first. Videos are best used when you show only a few
minutes of them. Be prepared to facilitate a meaningful discussion.
Evaluating the presentations. I will send you my evaluation of the presentation
(by e-mail). I will be looking to see specifically that you have satisfied the
expectations mentioned above.
Overall Paper Grading Criteria:
1. Organization – of each paragraph and overall essay – essay flows logically
2. Meets specific requirements of assignment including proper citation of sources
used
3. Correct application of sociological concepts and assigned readings
4. Sentence Structure – sentences well formed and appropriately varied in length
5. Mechanics – free of spelling, typographical, and grammatical errors
All papers should be double-spaced with 1-inch margins. Do not exceed the page limit
provided. Please adhere to the citation and reference guidelines provided by the
American Sociological Association (http://tinyurl.com/2y6qwj). For writing tutorial
services, please consult The University Writing Center
(http://www.humboldt.edu/~english/wrtgcntr.html). Helpful grammar tips can be found
online at the Grammar Bytes website (http://www.chompchomp.com/).
Grading Scale
A = 93-100
%
C= 73-76
A- = 90-92
B+ = 87-89
B = 83-86
B- = 80-82
C+ = 77-79
C- = 70-72
D+ = 67-69
D = 63-66
D- 60-62
F = 0-59
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Estimated Outside Class Time
Students hoping to earn an “A” in this class can anticipate spending an average of 68hours each week on outside class activities: reading, writing and editing, conducting
field research, and thinking about material in preparation for our class meetings. I
encourage you to schedule and use this preparation time starting in the first week so
that you can make the most of this seminar.
Late Work and Extra Credit
As a general rule, late work will not be accepted and I do not assign extra credit
assignments. However, it is always best to communicate with me about a life crisis or
medical issues.
Ground Rules:
1. Come on time and stay the full class. If you need to come late or leave early
because of a medical appointment or such, please talk to me before class and
make your arrival or departure as quietly as possible. Find a seat nearest the
door. This is as much, if not more, for your classmates as it is for me. Many
students find it very distracting to keep focused on lecture when others are
coming and going.
2. Turn your cell phone off before coming to class.
3. Be fully present. If you choose to come to class, I expect you to be mentally as
well as physically present. Do not come to class if you are under the influence of
any drug ingested for nonmedical purposes (with the exception of caffeine and
nicotine). Reading newspapers or other texts as well as text messaging during
class is rude. If you need to get work done for another class – then just skip this
class. We all have to make choices about where to focus our energy on any
given day.
4. Be honest.
5. Be respectful. The first four ground rules are indicators of respect for this class
as well as for your classmates. In addition, class discussion time is a critical
point of showing respect and intellectual growth. We will be dealing with
controversial and sometimes personally painful subject matter in this course. We
need to make discussion “safe” for everyone. We all need to make this happen
together. Listen carefully to comments. Do not interrupt. Use words (nonverbal
and guttural sounds are not acceptable forms of communication). Frame your
responses in civil terms (verbal attacks are not acceptable). If you want to take
issue with someone else’s response, first summarize what you heard them say.
Then discuss why the “idea” (not the person) is problematic.
6. You speak for yourself. You own your opinion and you get to keep it. The voices
that we speak with are often indicative of larger narratives that have been a part
of our particular social experience. We do not speak for all members of a group
to which we belong. I strive to present research that is methodological and
theoretically sound. Your opinion may not be supported by research that I
present in class. That dissonance may make you uncomfortable or even angry.
Note those emotions. They are important.
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7. Share airtime. Monitor your own participation levels if you tend to be a talker.
Classroom discussion time is not your personal pulpit for converting the masses.
Make your point as quickly and concisely as possible. Stay focused. It’s easy to
go off on tangents. Let’s try to keep with the subject at hand.
Students with Disabilities
This syllabus was designed using recommended practices for creating accessible word
documents. If you have suggestions regarding improving the accessibility of this
document or other content for this class, please contact me. Persons who wish to
request disability-related accommodations should contact the Student Disability
Resource Center in House 71, 826-4678 (voice) or 826-5392 (TDD). Some
accommodations may take up to several weeks to arrange.
http://www.humboldt.edu/~sdrc/
Add Drop Policy
Students are responsible for knowing the University policy, procedures, and schedule
for dropping or adding classes.
http://www.humboldt.edu/~reg/regulations/schedadjust.html
Emergency Evacuation
Please review the evacuation plan for the classroom posted on the orange signs and
review
http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/emergencyops/campus_emergency_preparedness.p
hp for information on campus Emergency Procedures. During an emergency,
information can be found campus conditions at: 826-INFO or
www.humboldt.edu/emergency
Academic Honesty
Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding academic honesty:
http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/judicial/academic_honesty.php or
http://www.humboldt.edu/~humboldt/catalogpdfs/catalog2007-08.pdf
Attendance and Classroom Behavior
Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding attendance and disruptive
behavior: http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/judicial/attendance_behavior.php
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Social Deviance Course Schedule
Subject to Change with Fair Notice
Week Date
Class Focus & Readings to be
Discussed
Jan 21
1
Course Introduction & Overview
Jan 26
Heiner, Part I Intro Chpt. 1 and 2
Jan 28
2
Heiner, Chpt. 3 and 4
Feb 2
Heiner, Chpt. 5 and 6
Feb
4
3
Heiner, Chpt. 7 and 8
Feb 9
Heiner, Chpt. 9 and 10
Feb
11
4*
Heiner, Chpt. Intro 11, 12 and 13
Feb 16
Heiner, Chpt. Intro 14, 15, and 16
Feb
18
5
Heiner, Chpt. Intro 17, 18, and 19
Feb 23
Heiner, Chpt. 20, 21, and 22
Assignments Due
Norm Violation Contract
Due
Feb 25
Mar 2
Heiner, Intro Chpt. 23 and 24
Heiner, Chpt. 26 and 27
7
*
8
Mar 4
Mar 9
Mar 11
Heiner, Intro Chpt. 28 and 29
Heiner, Chpt. 30 and 31
Heiner, Intro Chpt. 32, 33, and 34
9
Mar 16
Mar 18
Mar 23
10
Mar 25
Spring Break
Spring Break
Heiner, Intro Chpt. 35 and 36 Chpt.
41
Film TBA
Five reading Responses
Due
Dorm Room Dealers 1 and 2
Dorm Room Dealers 3 and 4
Dorm Room Dealers 5 and 6
Dorm Room Dealers 7
Venkatesh 1
Venkatesh 2
Venkatesh 3
Venkatesh 4
Venkatesh 5
Venkatesh 6
Venkatesh 7
Venkatesh 8
Book Review Due
6
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Mar 30
Apr 1
Apr 6
Apr 8
Apr 13
Apr 15
Apr 20
Apr 22
Apr 27
Apr 29
May 4
May 6
May 11
At least three reading
responses due
Norm Violation Paper
Due
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