Course Description
This course explores the social construction of boundaries between "normality/conformity" and "deviance" in American society. It spotlights relationships between individuals and institutions, wherein “deviant behavior” is defined, authorized, managed, and enforced. Of particular concern is the relationship between dominant forms of religious, legal, and medical social control and gendered, racialized and global economic structures of power. The course provides an in-depth examination of theoretical perspectives that have historically been used to explain, study and control deviance, to either the benefit or detriment of American society.
Course Goals
Students will be exposed to influential, historical ideologies about deviance, conformity, and social control, from each century of American philosophy (16th - 21st).
Students will critically consider these philosophies in their historical context, problematize their intended and unintended consequences, and consider their connection to modern institutions that govern deviant behavior.
Students will become familiar with four historical “sites” of institutionalized social control: the legitimation of demonic possession (16th & 17th cent), the emergence of American prisons (18th century), the medicalization of criminology (19th century), and the theorization of crowd control and propaganda (20th century).
Students will cultivate research techniques, critical thinking skills, and audience-aware communication abilities, as they articulate the relationship between course content and a topic of their choice.
Students will develop their own informed opinions about their culture’s contemporary orientation to deviance and conformity, and will develop a critical appreciation of the influence of these trends on their own lives.
Students Said…
“[The instructor] establishes a comfortable class environment in which class participation is welcomed… [She] garners interest in the course material through her own passion… The topics covered in the course are fascinating. We studied trends that occurred between the 16th and 19th centuries that are eerily similar to current events. [The instructor] makes it easy to drawn connections to things that happened centuries ago… The format of the class is structured well so that we remain engaged and active participants. It's just a really cool class. The material is not only interesting historically, but also made relevant for now too.”
“Very well taught and focused. It was fascinating and taught in such a way that every aspect was interesting. The chronological module approach breaks down the complicated, interconnected material better. The supplemental materials (eg: archival exercises, videos) also helped me learn the concepts more.”
“My favorite part of the course was the Q&A sessions with people in different fields of work... It really helped me connect the material to real life and helped me narrow down the type of fields I may want to work in.”
“I would most definitely recommended this course to other students. The material is fun and enlightening. The professor is incredibly engaging.”
“Very fresh way of looking at society. I would 100% recommend this course because it wasn't boring or done from a textbook.
“It really expands your view of the social world, which I think is very important to everyone's education.”