ASOA22216U Sociology of Marginalized Groups and Deviant Behavior

Volume 2026/2027
Education

The course is open to:

  • Exchange and Guest students from abroad
  • Credit students from Danish Universities

 

Full-degree students enrolled at the Faculty of Social Science, UCPH 

  • Bachelor in Psychology
  • Bachelor and Master Programmes in Anthropology 
  • Master programme in Global Development
  • Master Programme in Social Data Science
Content

This course provides students with an in-depth introduction to the sociological study of marginalization and deviance. These phenomena have been studied from diverse and complementary perspectives, ranging from constructivist to realist approaches. For example, the concept of deviance has been linked to societal categorization and labeling processes that can marginalize vulnerable groups. Alternatively, realist perspectives conceptualize deviance as tangible behaviors that violate social norms and expectations, often with harmful
consequences for individuals and society. These perspectives are frequently combined to provide a more comprehensive understanding. For instance, in the case of juvenile crime, a constructivist approach might explore how certain youth are criminalized based on ethnicity or social class, while a realist approach investigates actual patterns of harmful behavior that may be more prevalent within this group.
Throughout the course, we will explore various manifestations of deviance and
marginalization, discussing how the constructivist and realist traditions within the field both diverge and can be integrated. These discussions may center on phenomena such as alcohol and drug abuse, crime and criminality, poverty, prostitution, homelessness, and everyday incivilities. Additionally, we will critically examine societal measures designed to mitigate or control these issues.

Learning Outcome

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Knowledge
• Demonstrate their understanding of the characteristics of deviant behavior and group marginalization as sociological phenomena.
• Formulate key insights into the scope and development of key expressions of marginalization and deviant behavior in Denmark.

Skills
• Conduct analyses in the field and to assess theoretical and practical issues related to marginalized groups and deviant behavior.
• Analyze deviant behavior and group marginalization as distinct and potentially interrelated dynamics.
• Analyze society’s responses to these issues in terms of, e.g., treatment, assistance, support, legislation, and control.

Competencies
• Independently seek out and acquire knowledge about marginalized groups and deviant behavior.
• Communicate acquired knowledge the relevant peers, practitioners, policy
makers, and others.

This course will be comprised of lectures, in-class group discussions and exercises.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 42
  • Preparation
  • 116
  • Exam Preparation
  • 48
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Home assignment
Type of assessment details
The students are required to formulate their own exam questions based on pre-defined guidelines provided by the teacher. Students will receive the exam guidelines for formulating exam questions during the ongoing semester. The teacher is required to provide at least two exemplary exam questions that adhere to the guidelines.

The exam can be written individually or in groups of max. 4 students.
Length of the exam is 10 pages + 5 pages pr. extra group member.
Aid
All aids allowed

The Department of Sociology prohibits the use of generative AI software and large language models (AI/LLMs), such as ChatGPT, for generating novel and creative content in written exams. However, students may use AI/LLMs to enhance the presentation of their own original work, such as text editing, argument validation, or improving statistical programming code. Students must disclose in an appendix if and how AI/LLMs were used; this appendix will not count toward the page limit of the exam. This policy is in place to ensure that students’ written exams accurately reflect their own knowledge and understanding of the material. All students are required to include an AI declaration in their exam submissions regardless of whether they have used generative AI software or not. This declaration should be placed as the last page of the exam submission. Please note that the AI statement is not included in the calculation of the overall length of your assignment. The template for the AI statement can be found in the Digital Exam system and on the Study Pages on KUnet under “Written exam”. Exams that do not declare if and how AI/LLMs were used will be administratively rejected and counted as one exam attempt.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Exam period

Exam information:

The exact time and place will be available in Digital Exam from the middle of the semester. 

Re-exam

Same as the ordinary exam.

Criteria for exam assesment

The students are required to formulate their own exam questions based on pre-defined guidelines provided by the teacher. Students will receive the exam guidelines for formulating exam questions during the ongoing semester. The teacher is required to provide at least two exemplary exam questions that adhere to the guidelines.

The exam can be written individually or in groups of max. 4 students.
Length of the exam is 10 pages + 5 pages pr. extra group member.