SELECTED TOPICS IN SOCIAL AND MORAL REGULATION
SOCIOLOGY 6890 3.0 F and SOCIO-LEGAL STUDIES 6095 3.0 F
Fall- 2010

Richard Weisman
Thursday, 2:30- 5:30, BC 228
Office- S720

This course looks at how social categories that arrange persons in moral hierarchies are constructed in the legal forum. We will draw upon trials, judgements, and other documents to show how law incorporates other discourses(popular, psychiatric, and medical) in deciding upon culpability, voluntariness, and character- concepts that are central to the forming of legal narratives. The focus of our inquiry is on how events from everyday life are translated into the legal forum and how the legal forum in turn privileges some social representations and marginalizes others.

Availability of readings- copies to be distributed or placed on reserve*
Online or on website**

Requirements:

One major essay of approximately 25 pages that elaborates on one of the topics in the syllabus - to be chosen in consultation with instructor - Due on Thursday, December 16- 70%.

Preparation of two reaction papers on readings and questions to address to the class- 30% - to set up on September 16.