191-008 Sociology of Crime and Deviance

Formerly available as 191-210/310. Students who have completed 191-210 or 191-310 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Normally 25 points of first-year criminology and/or 25 points of sociology.

This subject examines the nature of deviance in society. The study of deviance sheds light both on the society which labels certain behaviours, or people, as deviant, as well as on giving a greater understanding of the behaviours themselves. It reviews various sociological theories of deviance which help explain the ways societies both define deviance and attempt to deal with it. The subject illustrates the theoretical perspectives using examples such as suicide, mental illness, violent behaviour, white collar crime, cults and witchcraft. Students completing the subject should be able to assess the contributions of sociological perspectives on deviance and its definition; be able to apply sociological theoretical perspectives on deviant behaviour and the definition of deviance using specific case examples.

An essay of 2000 words and a 2-hour examination.