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.

Usually 25 points of first year criminology and/or 25 points of sociology.

This subject explores the potential of classical and contemporary sociological theory to explain crime and deviance. Theories ranging from Marxism and structural functionalism to symbolic interactionism, Bourdieu's ideas of field and habitus and Weberian concepts of social stratification and rationalisation are explained and then used to help understand both contemporary and historical social problems. Topics such as suicide, sexual assault and sport, the witchcraze of the 17th and 18th Centuries, terrorism, religious cults and racism are covered to show how sociological theory can be used both to explain how society defines deviance, as well as why people commit crime and cause harm. Students completing the subject will have a grounding in a range of sociological theories that will enable them to understand and critically assess problems of crime and deviance.

• have considerable capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;

• have significant cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;

• understand complex concepts and express them lucidly in writing and orally;

• have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively;

• have advanced awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications.

An essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and a 2-hour examination 50% (due at the end of semester).