Year
2020
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 1-hour tutorial weekly
1 x 1-hour seminar weekly
Prerequisites
4.5 units of first level topics
Enrolment not permitted
SOCI3014 has been successfully completed
Course context
Associated majors: Sociology; Criminal Justice
Topic description
This topic will examine various conceptions and sociological understandings of regulation, deviance and social control. This involves identifying the social processes and conditions leading to the definition and treatment of acts as deviance and actors as deviant. This focus is on everyday life experiences of deviance and social control and the topic considers the ways in which laws, rules, norms and mores structure social life and render some behaviours and activities unacceptable and deviant. Criminal deviance is just one type of deviance discussed. Specific issues and behaviour to be addressed include the ways in which sexuality, drug use, and the body are subject to regulation and designations of deviance. The topic also investigates mental health and criminal deviance also paying attention to government policies.
Educational aims
This topic aims to:
  • introduce and explain sociological theories of deviance and criminal behaviour
  • familiarise students with a selection of classical and influential contemporary sociological writings and studies on deviance
  • stimulate critical skills in examining controversial social issues related to crime and deviance
  • develop an understanding of the relationship between myths and messages about social identity
Expected learning outcomes
On successful completion of this topic, students should be able to:
  • comprehend sociological theories of deviance and criminal behaviour
  • identify with a selection of classical and influential contemporary sociological writings and studies on deviance
  • demonstrate critical skills in examining controversial social issues related to crime and deviance
  • understand the relationship between myths and messages about social identity