Geology students reviewing a topographical map. background

Course Catalog

Sociology of the Gang

In 1928, sociologist Frederick Thrasher published “The Gang,” a study of 1,313 gangs in Chicago. Today, more than 80 years later, gangs are still part of the American scene and sociologists are still trying to understand the young people who form and join them and the elemental social processes that are part of gang phenomena. In this course, we survey the general theories and findings of sociologists and criminologists who have studied gangs in the U.S., read monographs and articles reporting findings from contemporary studies of gangs and gang behavior, and learn about various approaches to gang prevention and intervention. Prerequisite: SOCI 100 or SOCI 122. Alternate years.

Grade Basis: Letter Grade
Credits: 4.0