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This course is about perspectives on deviance: ways of conceptualizing, measuring and explaining deviance and deviant behavior, as well as approaches to controlling that behavior. We  look too at the process of deviance -- how people come to be understood as "deviant," the consequences of being labeled "deviant," and how "deviants" deal with the experience.

The course therefore entails a detailed consideration of theoretical approaches. But in order to examine these theories we will take a closer look at a limited number of types of "deviation" including mental illness, criminal behavior, drug use, sexual deviance, physical stigma, cognitive deviance and a couple of others.

In addition to the regular reading load of a textbook and reserve readings, course material will also include several movies, which will be made available on reserve for viewing in the Salmon Library. Most of them can alternately be rented at commercial video stores.

Grades will be the result of performance on four exams, and four or five short papers/assignments.