Ideas of deviance have been central to criminological thought since its inception, and they have informed the development of law and policy. Deviance boasts intimate relationships with both drugs and delinquency, as sites of social anxiety and regulation. In this subject, students explore shifting trends in the conceptualisation of deviance in classical and contemporary sociology and criminology. They will also examine how these ideas have been implemented in the governing of the social world. A series of case studies will be used, particularly drug control and delinquency. Other case studies will vary, but may include: gangs, terrorism, mental illness and violence. On successful completion of this subject, students will have a strong grounding in an area of specific criminological expertise and a critical understanding of the way in which sociological and criminological ideas are used to address perceived social problems.

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