SYLLABUS

Spring 2005, University Park Campus

SOCIAL DEVIANCY (SYG 3320)

Class Number: 16796; Section: U01

Tuesdays, 7:50-10:30 PM, University Park Campus, Bldg OE (Owa Ehan), Room 134

January 11-April 26, 2005

Dr. Abe Lavender, Professor (best contact is abelavender@aol.com); office hours will be announced in class.

Office: Building DM, Room 322B; Phone: 305-348-3672

COURSE OUTLINE

(1) Introduction and definitions, functions and dysfunctions of deviance, ways of responding to stigmatization, theories of deviance; (2) Discussion of a diversity of specific topics (e.g., white-collar crimes, drugs, nudity); (3) Discussion of reincarnation and other topics, in order to examine our thinking processes as to whether specific things are deviant or not.

BOOKS

(1) THE MYTHOLOGY OF CRIME AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE, by Victor Kappeler, Mark Blumberg, and Gary W. Potter. This book takes a number of hot topics related to deviance and crime, and corrects some common myths. Chapters will be assigned at various times throughout the semester. Remember page 315!

(2) SAME SOUL, MANY BODIES, by Brian L. Weiss. One purpose of this book is to study a belief (reincarnation) which is considered deviant by the "powers" of western society, but which actually is believed in by many millions of people. Read all of this book during the first half of the course.

GRADING

There will be a midterm test about the middle of the semester, and a final examination at the end of the semester. About half of the questions will be from readings and about half will be from class lectures and discussions.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is required, and will be taken frequently on a random basis. The professor reserves the right to lower the grades for excessive absences. Class discussion and interaction are also important to the learning process, although not always testable.

CLASS FORMAT

Class will be a combination of lecture and class discussion; some topics (e.g., theories) mostly will be presented in lectures, but generally there will be class discussion.