SOCI204 Sociology of Deviance; Dr. Azzara
MASSASOIT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE
SOCI204- E1(11297)
Fall 2013
INSTRUCTOR:Lori E. Azzara, Psy. D.
PHONE: (cell) 1-508-801-8441
e-mail:
(this goes to my Smart phone and is a
very effective way to reach me immediately; I prefer you use this email
address to contact me – be careful when spelling my name)
Office hours: Since this is an “on-line” course, you will have access to me
via e-mail. If you would like to meet with me “in person”please e-mail
me and we will set up a mutually agreeable time.
ORIENTATION SESSIONS:
There is no “in person” orientation. Everything you need to know can be found either on this syllabus or the Course Orientation. You can access the course within Canvas. To access the course go to:
Click the MyMassasoit Login logo on the left side of the screen
Enter your MyMassasoit ID and password
Here you should find the Online Course Orientation section (on the right hand side)
If this is your first online class, you will likely benefit from an on campus orientation (Brockton campus only). The dates and times can be found in the MyMassasoit portal at Massasoit’s web page (noted above)
Technical Orientation: All students new to online learning at Massasoit are required to sign onto MyMassasoit and then select the “Online Orientation” section. Again, access to this is through the Massasoit home page:
This is a general orientation and is not specific to this course but will help you learn to navigate through the online format.
Course Orientation: All students taking this course (SOCI 204) are expected to complete the exercise contained in the course orientation. Additionally, you should print the “Online Orientation” information found under this course heading when you sign onto MyMassasoit and select this course. Here I will review the syllabus, including criteria for grading, assignments, Discussions, and testing. You will also be directed to the course’s web page for download of course materials.
REQUIRED TEXT: Thio, A., Calhoun, T. C., & Conyers, A. (2010).Readings in deviant behavior, 6th ed.. New York: Allyn & Bacon, Pub. Inc.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will provide an analysis of deviant behavior through examination of current theories and research in the filed. Attention will also be given to those institutions which most frequently deal with deviancy. A variety of forms of deviant behavior will be analyzed including drug abuse and alcoholism, juvenile delinquency, sexual deviance, suicide, and mental disorders.
PREREQUISITE: General Psychology or Principles of Sociology or Departmental Approval
TEACHING FORMAT: This is an online course. Therefore, the materials necessary for learning are located on the Internet ( as well as your text. Students are encouraged to actively participate in the Discussions (within Canvas found in MyMassasoit) and contact the professor if additional explanation of material is required. I have found that students have a variety of schedules and finding ONE time for me to be available which meets each student’s needs is almost impossible. Therefore, if you have a question for me, send me an
e-mail from within the course page. I will respond within 24 hours (often sooner). I typically sign on at least daily, during the week, and at least once each weekend. I prefer the contact be via
e-mail and use of my personal e-mail address is encouraged (). However, if you need to reach me immediately, you can call my cell phone (508-801-8441).
The textbook selected provides both recent and historical writings by various authors in the field of Sociology and Deviant Behavior. I have provided notes on the topics covered and other topics found in a “traditional” Sociology of Deviance textbook. You are responsible for the material provided in BOTH the notes and the readings. These are the notes I would typically give you if this were an “in class” course. Remember, contact me if you require clarification on concepts.
ATTENDANCE/CLASS PARTICIPATION: Although this is an online course, you are expected to complete work by assigned dates, throughout the semester. Please review the course schedule and make note of the dates work is due by. Students are expected to participate in Discussions and ask questions, as needed. Discussions should be completed the week they are due. All work must be received prior to the online test they correspond to receive any credit. In other words, if a test is turned off at 9 pm on a specific date, the Discussions relating to the chapters covered on the exam must be completed by the 9 pm deadline to receive any credit. The last day to complete work for this semester is Friday, December 14, 2013 at 9 pm. Additionally, I have made “Practice Tests” available within Canvas and you should complete one for each chapter (except Chapter/Unit 13 – there is no practice test, sorry).
There are four (4) writing assignments with specific due dates. Late papers will not receive full credit and be reduced at least 20% (meaning if you write an A paper, the best you can hope for is a B- , so submit your papers on time!!!!) Materials received/posted after the week they are due will receive half (1/2) credit.
There are four (4) unit Exams and each exam will be available for only a limited amount of time and students should consult the course schedule which follows for specific deadlines. You must take the test during the assigned time. (So, again, make note of the dates and check your calendar often. This is your responsibility.) Anyone anticipating a problem must contact me immediately. Discussions received after 9 pm on the date of the exam they correspond to (without prior approval from me) will notreceive any credit.
Also, from time-to-time students ask about “extra credit” work. I do not have “extra credit” wok in any of my courses (in person, or online). Although you might think this is harsh, I believe it is better to put your full effort into the assigned work (including keeping track of due dates) rather than thinking about the need for “extra credit.” Additionally, the Discussion questions in Canvas are intended to be “easy points” and can help raise a student’s grade. Their intent is to help you digest and understand the course material, but they are also intended to be “easy points,” do don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive full credit by (1) completing the work on time, and (2) follow the requirements for responding in a full paragraph using appropriate spelling, grammar, etc.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Your final grade will be based on three exams (online), Chapter Discussion Board responses, and four 1 – 2 page reaction papers based on four of the readings in the textbook.
Tests (3 tests @ 100 pts each)300 points
Discussion questions
(13 units, maximum points each unit set is 10)130 points
Papers (4 @ 50 points each)200 points
630 points
Your final grade is based on the number of “Points” you earn. At the end of the semester, the maximum number of points you can earn is 630. Your final grade is based on the following:
A586-630C+485-503
A-567-585C460-484
B+548-566C-441-459D-378-396
B523-547D+422-440FBelow 378
B-504-522D397-421
GRADING: Grading is per published college policy
A = 93+ 4.0B- = 80 - 82 2.7D+ = 67 - 69 1.3 A- = 90 - 92 3.7 C+ = 77 - 79 2.3 D = 63 - 66 1.0
B+ = 87 - 89 3.3C = 73 - 76 2.0D- = 60 - 62 0.7
B = 83 - 86 3.0C- = 70 - 72 1.7F = below 60 0.0
WRITING ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Written assignments should be typed, double spaced, and in an acceptable font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier; 12). Papers are expected to be 1 – 2 pages in length (longer papers do not receive better grades). To maintain this format, you want to “attach” them to the assignment within the course page. If you do not know how to do this, seek help during a college orientation seminar.
2. Attention to spelling and grammar are crucial. Part of your grade will depend on your ability to clearly and effectively communicate information. Text messaging language and other slang is not appropriate for these writing assignments.
3. These assignments are NOT creative writing assignments. Provide me with the necessary information, in a clear, concise way. DO NOT write a review of the article. Rather, I am lookingfor your “reaction” to what you have read. What you agree and disagree with and why. The more you can pull in from the sociological theories presented, the better.
4. I will mail the papers, graded, back to you within 1 week of their due date. (You must provide me with your U.S. Postal address as part of the orientation assignment).
You are encouraged to use the Writing Center as you develop your writing for this course. Writing tutors can assist you with understanding a writing assignment, brainstorming, organizing, drafting, researching, and more. The Writing Center is located on the lower level of the Student Center within the Brockton Academic Resource Center (ARC) and you can contact the ARC for their hours of operation. To visit, make an appointment at the ARC front desk or utilize walk-in services. The Writing Center can be reached by phone at 508-588-9100 x1975.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
(Students who are Differently Abled) MassasoitCommunity College is committed to
non-discrimination of persons with disabilities, as specified in Chapter 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Studentsin needof classroom or testing accommodations are encouraged to contactDisability Services at the beginning of each semester.For the Brocktonor Middleboro Campus,please contact Andrea Henry at extension 1805 or Julie McNeill-Kenerson at extension 1424.For Canton Campus, please contact Andrea or Julie at extension 2132.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course, students should have a firm grasp on the following topics: Definition of deviance, as well as explain and interpret its occurrence. Identify the concrete characteristics of various deviance's including juvenile delinquency, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual perversions and mental illness. Identify and explain the leading theories and sociological orientations of deviant behavior: anomie, control, labeling, conflict, and learning.
COURSE OUTLINE:
The schedule typically reflects a Monday through Sunday week! (1st and last week of class are the exceptions)
DATECHAPTER/TOPIC
Week 1: September 4 – 8, 2013
Introduction
Part One: Defining and Researching Deviance
Images of Deviance
Defining Deviancy Down
Assignment: Read pp. 1-17. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section of the course
webpage)
Post Discussion responses to Part 1
**Make sure you have completed the Orientation Assignment [sending me your
mailing address (snail mail NOT email), along with telling me about yourself and
why you are taking the class – see Canvas].
Week 2:September 9 - 15, 2013
Part Two: Positivist Theories
Strain Theory
Differential Association Theory
Control Theory
Shaming Theory
Assignment: Read pp. 19-41. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section of the course
web page)
Post Discussion responses to Part 2
Week 3: September 16 – 22, 2013
Part Three: Constructionist Theories
Labeling Theory
Phenomenological Theory
Conflict Theory
Feminist Theory
Assignment: Read pp. 42-55. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section of the course
webpage).
Post Discussion responses to Part 3
***Prepare for Test 1 on the Theories of Deviance (Part 1 – 3)
Week 4: September 23 – 29, 2013
Finish Part Three
****Test 1 will be available from noontime on Tuesday September 24th
through 9 pm on Thursday, September 26th. Please plan accordingly!
Your Discussions for Units 1 – 3 MUST be posted by the time the test is turned
off to receive any credit (1/2 credit if you didn’t do them the week they were
assigned).
Part Four: Physical Violence
What Drives the Libyan Suicide Bombers in Iraq)
Writing Assignment 1: Read pp. 59 – 66. Write a “Reaction Paper” on this reading
The Writing Assignment is due no later than Sunday, 10/6/13 at 9 pm.
Make sure you print and read my notes which correspond to this material
(found under the Assignment section of the course webpage).
Week 5: September 30 - October 6, 2013
Part Four: Physical Violence con’t
Serial Murder: Popular Myths and Empirical Realities
What TriggersSchool Shootings?
“I Hope Someone Murders Your Mother!” Extreme Support for the Death
Penalty
Assignment: Read pp. 67 – 87. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section on the course
webpage).
Post Discussion responses to Part 4
** Writing Assignment #1 due by 9 pm on 10/6/13
Week 6: October 7 - 13, 2013
Part Five:Intimate Violence
Tortured and Battered
Intimate Stalking: Characteristics and Consequences
Child-to-Mother Violence
How Child Molesters Explain Their Deviance
Assignment: Read pp.89 – 113. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section on the course
webpage)
Post Discussion responses to Part 5
Writing Assignment 2: Read pp. 94 - 97. Write a “Reaction Paper” on this reading.
The Writing Assignment is due no later than Saturday, 10/19/13 at 9 pm
Week 7: October 14 – 20, 2013
10/14/13Columbus Day
***Reminder, Writing Assignment #2 due by 9 pm on 10/19/13
Part Six: Self-Destructive Deviance
The Desire for Death
Self-Injurers: A “Lonely Crowd”
Being Sane in Insane Places
The Emergence of Hyperactive Adults as Abnormal
Assignment: Read pp. 115 –144. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section on the course
webpage).
Post Discussion responses to Part 6
Week 8: October 21 – 27, 2013
Part Six: con’t (finish any material you didn’t complete from last week)
Part Seven: Victims of Stigma
Managing the Stigma of Personal Bankruptcy
The Stigma of Obesity
What is it like to be a Rural Lesbian?
You’re not Retarded, You’re Just Wise
Assignment: Read pp. 145 – 179. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section on the course
webpage).
Post Discussion responses to Part 7
Week 9: October 28 - November 3, 2013
Part Seven: con’t (finish any material you didn’t complete from last week)
Part Ten: Internet Deviance
Show Me the Money: Online Mistresses and Slaves
Online Dating: “I’m Dysfunctional, You’re Dysfunctional”
Online Boys: Male-for-Male Internet Escorts
Cyberbullying: Offenders and Victims
Assignment: Read pp. 237 - 270. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section on the course
webpage).
Post Discussion responses to Part 10
***Prepare for Test 2 on Parts 4 through 7 and Part 10.
Week 10: November 4 – 10, 2013
Part Ten: (finish any material you didn’t complete from last week)
***Test 2 will be available from noontime on Tuesday
November 5,2013until 9 pm on Thursday. November 72013.
Part Eight: Heterosexual Deviance
The Globalization of Sex Tourism
Flawed Theory and Method in Studies of Prostitution
Exotic Dancers: “Where am I going to Stop?”
“Everyone Knows Who the Sluts Are:” How Young Women Get Around
the Stigma
Assignment: Read pp. 181 – 210. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section on the course
webpage).
Post Discussion responses to Part 8
Writing Assignment #3: Read pp. 183 – 192. Write a “Reaction Paper” on the reading.
The Writing Assignment is due no later than Saturday, 11/16/13 at 9 pm.
Week 11: November 11 – 17, 2013
11/11/13Veterans’ Day
Part Eight: finish any material you didn’t complete from last week
*** Reminder, Writing Assignment 3 due by 9 pm on 11/16/13
Part Nine: Drug Use
Binge Drinking on College Campus
“Hey, Don’t Blame Me….Blame the Booze”
Oxycontin: A Prescription for Disaster
Damn, It Feels Good to be a Gangsta: Selling Drugs on Campus
Assignment: Read pp. 211 – 235. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section on the course
webpage).
Post Discussion responses to Part 9
Week 12: November 18 – 24, 2013
Part Eleven: Privileged Deviance
Criminal Telemarketing: A Profession On the Line
The Neutralization of Professional Deviance Among Veterinarians
Societal Causes of Political Corruption
Enron: Organizational Rituals as Deviance
Assignment: Read pp. 271 – 294. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material. (found under the Assignment section on the course
webpage).
Post Discussion responses to Part 11
Week 13: November 25 –December 1, 2013
(I realize this week involves the Thanksgiving Holiday and I certainly want you to enjoy time with your family and friends, but I must schedule class work during this time, so please plan accordingly)
Writing Assignment #4: Pick any reading from the course you have not already done a
Reaction Paper on and write a Reaction Paper on it. (You could even pick a
reading from the remaining 2 weeks and read ahead). Make sure you introduce the
reading at the beginning of the paper, so I know which article you have chosen
(write an introductory paragraph with 4 to 5 sentences)
The Writing Assignment is due no later than Wednesday, 12/4/13 at 9 pm.
Week 14: December 2 - 8, 2013
Part Twelve: Underprivileged Deviance
Shoplifters: “The Devil Made Me Do It”
Burglary: The Offender’s Perspective
The Immediate Experiences of Carjacking
The Good Thing about Workplace Deviance
***Assignment: Read pp.295 – 318. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material(found under the Assignment section on the course
webpage).
Post Discussion responses to Part 12
***Prepare for Test 3 on the Parts 8, 9, 11-13.
**** Reminder, Writing Assignment 4 due by Wednesday at 9 pm on 12/4/13.
Week 15: December 9 – 14, 2013
Part Thirteen: Controlling Deviance
What It’s Like to be Known as a Sex Offender
Responses to Workplace Bullying
Eating for Two: How Pregnant Women Neutralize Nutritional Deviance
A New Way of Fighting the War on Drugs
Assignment: Read pp. 319– 348. Make sure you print and read my notes which
correspond to this material (found under the Assignment section on the course
webpage).
Post Discussion responses to Part 13
Test 3 will be available from noontime on Wednesday, December 11,2013
until 9pm on Friday, December13, 2013.
Note: All work must be received by Friday, December 13, 2013 by 9 pm to receive credit (unless you have prior approval of Dr. Azzara). I anticipate posting grades by Monday, December 16, 2013 – which means they might be visible by Tuesday 12/17/13. However, you can calculate your final grade by adding your total points, since that will be your final grade.