SY1003 - Deviance, Crime and Society

Credit points:	03
Year:	2007
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Arts & Social Sciences

This subject provides a critical introduction to deviance, crime and the criminal justice system from a sociological perspective. It begins with an examination of the nature of deviance and crime, and the ways in which deviance and crime are socially constructed. The subject explores why there are variations in acceptable social behaviour over time and in different cultures. It analyses the major institutions and agents used to exercise social control in Australian society. The subject will also explore relationships between crime/deviance, and social class, gender, ethnicity and age. Various explanatory sociological theories will be examined and applied to an understanding of deviance, crime and social control.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate a critical sociological understanding of the social construction of crime and deviance, and major institutions of social control and criminal justice;
• apply their skills in analysing complex social issues and specific case studies;
• discuss deviance, crime and social control as sociological concepts and use the terms appropriately;
• demonstrate an understanding of the relativity of crime and deviance over time and across different societies and the processes involved in defining deviant and/or criminal behaviours;
• distinguish between selected social theories as they are applied to the analysis of crime and deviance and social control and critically assess their strengths and weaknesses.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to access and employ online technologies effectively;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

SY3013 SY3003

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 31-Aug-2007
Coord/Lect:	Dr Garry Coventry.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 12 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (35%); presentations (15%); tutorial attendance and participation (15%); essays (35%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 31-Aug-2007
Coordinator:	Dr Roger Wilkinson
Lecturers:	Dr Garry Coventry, Dr Roger Wilkinson.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 12 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (35%); presentations (15%); tutorial attendance and participation (15%); essays (35%).
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 30-Mar-2007
Coordinator:	Dr Roger Wilkinson
Lecturers:	Dr Garry Coventry, Dr Roger Wilkinson.
Contact hours:	2 hours - Electronic communication via LearnJCU and email
Method of Delivery:	and CDROMWWW - LearnJCU
Assessment:	assignments (50%); (50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.