2023-2024 Catalog

CJ-734 Youth Gangs and Group Violence

Provides an overview of youth gangs and their sociological underpinnings, which are rooted in poverty and racism. Theories of gang formation and individual gang membership will be examined closely. Study topics include the history of gangs, gangs and criminal behavior, socio-cultural importance of gangs, and strategies to control gang behavior as well as community responses more generally. The course will utilize current gang issues in the general US and in Massachusetts as a basis to better understand the nuances of youth gangs.

Credits

3

Offered

Ocasionally