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SSC-10002 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

SSC-10002 - Imagining Social Order and Deviance
Coordinator: Bela Arora Room: N/A
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

N/A

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

Imagining Social Order and Deviance explores societal norms, values, and the construction of deviance through a series of real-life case studies. You will be invited to engage with diverse perspectives on what constitutes social order and deviant behaviour and consider the complexities of social control mechanisms, the stigmatisation of marginalised groups, and the dynamics of power in shaping perceptions of deviance. By fostering a deep understanding of the intricacies of social order and deviance, this module empowers you to challenge prevailing narratives and envision more equitable and inclusive societies.

Aims
This module aims to introduce students to core sociological theories of order and deviance and enable students to apply these theories to understand a wide range of contemporary social phenomena. Students will examine how the category of ‘deviance’ is constructed and the social and legal penalties applied to people and groups classified as ‘deviant’. It will also enable students to engage in moral and political debates about the treatment of so-called ‘deviant’ groups.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Recognise and articulate influential theories of social order/deviance as they have been conceived and applied in sociology and criminology: 1
Show an awareness of how the study of deviance emerged and its importance to the disciplines of sociology and criminology: 1
Explain why social order became an issue of public and scholarly concern following the emergence of modern industrial capitalism: 1
Apply theoretical knowledge of deviance to recent case studies from within the UK and beyond: 1
Reflect on how contemporary media and political controversies raise questions about the way societies construct deviant identities and groups: 1

Study hours

12 hours of interactive lecture activity.
12 hours of tutor led small group/seminar activity.
24 hours of directed online asynchronous activity designed to help students prepare for in situ classes and/or reflect on issues covered in sessions.
102 hours personal study, additional self directed preparation for classes, assessment preparation etc

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 100%
1500 word project (case study)
Students will be asked to complete a 1500-word essay project in which they apply the theories of order and deviance covered in the module to one of a list of case study examples provided by the module lead. Students will be judged on their ability to articulate social and criminological theories of deviance, and to apply these in a way that enhances understanding of a particular topic. Students will be given the opportunity to submit an optional formative essay plan (500 word max) during the semester, and at least one session will be dedicated to essay plan feedback.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025