University of Guelph

Sociology & Anthropology

SOC 4320 – Advanced Seminar in Criminal Justice

Deviance & Stigma

Fall 2025

Instructor

Instructor: Dr. Chris Tatham

Email: ctatham@uoguelph.ca [1]  

Office Location: MCKN 609

Office Hours: Office hours will be held over Zoom. See CourseLink for schedule and links.

Course Topic

This course examines the study of deviance, stigma and social control, focusing on theory and contemporary research in the field. Together we will examine the intersection of deviance with race, sexuality, and gender. Consideration will also be given to how society frames and reacts to deviance in regard to youth, health, substance use, crime, homelessness, mental illness, sexual expression & desire, and more. Throughout the class, we will examine the everyday lived realities of those who are defined as deviant, with particular attention to the social, institutional, and criminological implications of deviant identities.

 

Course Structure

This course has been scheduled to have in-person delivery. Blended options may be available. This is a reading-intensive, discussion-based course. This is not a lecture-based course. Class time will employ a seminar-style approach and will be centered around peer-led in-depth discussion of the readings. Students are responsible for reading the assigned works before class. Students are expected and encouraged to participate in class discussion. Regardless of participation method, engaged, thoughtful discussion is an integral part of the seminar experience. 

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Critically evaluate scholarly sources
• Connect sociological theory, empirical research, and real-world experience and events
• Develop and present an academic argument, application, and critique
• Formulate research questions and use academic and non-academic research to support written arguments
• Develop public speaking, presentation, and engagement skills
• Facilitate and engage in thoughtful and respectful discussion
   

 

Course Materials

All assigned readings will be made available on CourseLink.

 

Evaluation

 

 

 

This web outline is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.

A complete course syllabus will be available on CourseLink on the first day of classes.