Behaviour and Deviation

Presentation

Considering existing theoretical models, this course aims to promote in students a critical and informed reflection on the implications of the concept of normality and deviance.

Part of this Programme

Psychology

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 5

Year | Type of course unit | Language

1 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT35-15392

Recommended complementary curricular units

General Psychology

Psychopathology

Clinical and Health Psychology

Forensic psychology

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

1. Introduction to the definition of the concept of normality and deviation
  A. Positivist versus social constructionist perspective
  B. Guiding Principles of Positivism and Social Constructionism in Defining Normal and Deviant Behavior

2. Conceptualization of deviant behavior:
  A. Biological theories
  B. Psychological theories
  C. Positivist sociological theories
  D. Constructionist sociological theories
3. Contextualization and implications of the concept of ¿deviant¿
  A. Historical aspects and their contexts:
     i. Sexuality
     ii. Psychopathology
     iii. Crime
4. Differentiation of concepts:
  A. Deviation versus psychopathology
  B. Deviance versus crime

Objectives

This course aims to promote in students a critical and informed reflection on the implications of the concept of normality and deviance, based on the theoretical knowledge about the historical contextualization of these concepts, as well as the main explanatory approaches of them - going through the biological models, psychological and sociological - and their social and individual implications. At the end of this course students should not only know the main explanatory theories of deviant behavior, differentiating the concept of deviance from the concepts of psychopathology and crime, but also discuss current social and cultural phenomena (where the boundary between normal and deviant) in the light of the various theoretical frameworks.

Teaching methodologies and assessment

This UC is taught from the oral exposition of the contents. Reflection and discussion of the themes is promoted through small group discussions. The assessment in "continuous" mode consists of two online quizzes based on the texts of compulsory reading (weighting 20% each quizz, 40% in total), an oral presentation in group (20%) and individual written work (40%). Attendance at classes is required. The time of appeal consists of a written exam with 100% weighting in the final grade, which will focus on all theoretical and practical content ad material available in moodle. In order to be approved, the student must obtain a minimum grade of 10 points. Assessment may be developed online, depending on the evolution of the current pandemia (COVID-19) and depending on superior indications.

References

Becker, H. (2008). Outsiders: Estudos de sociologia do desvio. Rio de Janeiro: Zahar Editores.

Bryant, C. (Ed.). (2011). The Routledge Handbook of Deviant Behavior. New York: Routledge

Feldman, R. (2007). Introdução à Psicologia (6ª Ed). USA: McGraw Hill.

Clinard, M. & Meier, R. (2011). Sociology of Deviant Behavior. USA: Fourteenth Edition.

Thio, A., Taylor, J.D., & Schwartz, M. (Eds)(2013). Deviant Behavior (11th Ed). USA: Pearson

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