Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Theories of gang membership and behavior; law enforcement, community, and correctional intervention; characteristics and activities of prison and street gangs; impact on correctional and law enforcement operations and society. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze various theories that explain criminal gang formation and participation
  • CSLO #2: Differentiate the major ethnic groups involved in street and prison gangs.
  • CSLO #3: Assess the relationship between drugs, weapons, and violence in criminal gangs and their impact on society.

Effective Term

Fall 2017

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Outline the major ethnic groups involved in street and prison gang activity;
2. Compare and contrast local, state and national street and prison gang statistics;
3. Recognize regional/geographical gang identifiers;
4. Identify major California prison gangs;
5. Describe the relationship between drugs, weapons, and violence in street gangs;
6. Analyze the street and prison gang recruitment process;
7. Compare and contrast street and prison gang violence;
8. Analyze the impact of contraband on prison gangs;
9. Describe the influence of prison gangs on street gangs;
10. Illustrate the concepts of prevention, intervention, and suppression as they relate to street and prison gangs.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will properly identify gang affiliation based on various types and colors of gang insignia.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will write a research paper in which they compare and contrast the types of crimes committed by street and prison gangs.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor will explain various types of prison and street gang regalia to the class. Students and instructor will then discuss and identify gangs and their associated rank structure.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will present video lecture regarding violent street gang activity; students will participate in follow-up Discussion Board related to the connections between gangs and specific types of violent crimes in society.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read current articles from "Corrections Today" and other professional publications. 2. Read the section in the assigned textbook on Maslow's theory and be prepared to discuss in class.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Prepare a group-written report on a major street or prison gang. 2. Diagram the influence of prison gangs on street gangs.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

          • Gangs in America's Communities
            • Author: Howell & Griffiths
            • Publisher: Sage
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition: 2nd
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.