CRJ 767 Gangs in American Society

This course provides a detailed examination of the current street gang problem. It will focus on (1) the evolution of gangland through- out the 20th century; (2) evolving patterns of relation between gangs and social institutions, including schools, family, politics, and media; (3) the structure and culture of gangs; and (4) the ways in which gangs now spread in the prison system and throughout society; (5) historical and current modes of societal response to gangs. Course material includes theoretical literature, empirical studies, and historical accounts.