Criminal Justice 340

I. Course Title: Gangs

II. Course Number: CRJU 340

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: CRJU 100 (Introduction to Criminal Justice) and junior standing or senior standing or permission of the instructor

V. Course Description: 

This course covers a broad range of topics related to gang activity in the United States, focusing on both street and institutional gangs.  The course addresses the complex issue of defining gangs, the historical development of gangs, the various types of gangs, and the diversity of gang membership, including female membership.  Gangs will be analyzed through theoretical explanations of criminal and deviant behavior.  Additionally, the course discusses law enforcement responses to gangs, intervention and prevention strategies, and public policy issues.  Upon completing this course, students will have a better understanding of the “gang problem” and be able to discuss potential prevention strategies.  

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

1. Defining Gangs
2. Gang History
3. Gang Structure and Membership over the Life Course
4. Theoretical Perspectives of Gang Membership
5. Gangs & Social Institutions
6. Criminal Activities of Gangs
7. Females in Gangs
8. Desistance & Leaving the Gang
9. Responding to Gangs: Prevention, Suppression, & Intervention

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

A number of instructional strategies will be employed in this course to enhance student engagement.  The course may include any or all of the following basic strategies.  

1. Lecture
2. Online content and activities
3. Gang profiles
4. Student presentations
5. Class discussions 
6. Small group collaboration (gang profiles and book clubs)
7. Written and critical thinking assignments
8. Guest speakers
9. Video material

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Having completed this course, students will be able to:

1. Discuss the development and current status of gangs in America.
2. Compare the various methodological and definitional issues that hinder social science research on gangs in America.
3. Differentiate the social forces that give rise to gang activity.
4. Explain the various theoretical explanations of gang involvement, gang activity, and intervention.
5. Explain the special influence of diversity (i.e. age, gender, class, race, ethnicity, culture) on gang culture.
6. Identify the various criminal activities of gang members in American society.
7. Differentiate the unique characteristics of different types of gangs, such as prison gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and community gangs.
8. Discuss/explain the process of desistence and leaving the gang.
9. Analyze the various approaches utilized by law enforcement, community programs, and schools in dealing with gangs.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures may include any combination of the following strategies:

1. Examinations
2. Presentations
3. In-class discussion and participation
4. Written assignments
5. Research papers
6. In-class writing assignments
7. Online assignments
8. Group participation
9. Quizzes

Review and Approval

August 2020