LOS ANGELES MISSION COLLEGE
Spring ~ 2007
 

CLASS 3278
150 Understanding Street and Prison Gangs
Monday – 7:00-10:10pm
(US:CSU) 3 Units
Gabriel Kovnator - Instructor
E-Mail:
ajgk150@charter.net
Message: (818) 364-7600 Ext. 4352
Office Hours: Monday 2:30 p.m to 3:30 p.m. AJ Cubic


COURSE OUTLINE

The history and development of street gangs. Street gang method of operation in the community. Street gang method of operation in the correctional facility. Identification and documentation of gang involvement and gang graffiti.

Required Text:
Al Valdez - GANGS - A Guide to Understanding Street Gangs
(Available at Campus Bookstore)

Course Objective:
To develop familiarity of the specific characteristics of the following:

African American Street Gangs
Latino Street Gangs
Asian/Pacific Islander Gangs
Caucasian Gangs
Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
Prison Gangs
Prison/Street Gang Connection
Taggers

Course Requirements:

1. Group presentation in groups of 3 to 4 students. Each group will be responsible for a 20-minute presentation on a current event in gang activity. Each group will need to use one or more of the following materials: newspaper articles, film documentaries, media news reports, web searches or current photo of graffiti and an explanation. - 20 percent

2. One written report, text and supporting data to be submitted to instructor for content by Mid-Term. This report must be typed & double-spaced on 8 1/2" x 11" paper. - 20 percent

3. Mid Term - 20 percent

4. Final Exam - 30 percent

5. Attendance and participation in class. - 10 percent

6. Each student will be responsible for watching the following two movies by October 16 ::

a) American Me b) American History X

SYLLABUS

February 5 , 2007 Introduction to Class
February 12, 2007 Oveview of Gangs
February 19, 2007 President's Day ~ No Class
February 26, 2007 Gang Lifestyle
March 5, 2007 Gang Sociology
March 12, 2007 Gang Validation System/Profile
March 19, 2007 Media & Gangs
March 26, 2007 African-American Gangs
March 31, 2007 Visit to Sylmar Juvenile Facility
April 2, 2007 Spring Break ~ No Class
April 9, 2007 MID TERM
April 16, 2007 Asian Gangs
April 23, 2007 White Supremacist
April 30, 2007 Overview of Prison Gangs
May 7, 2007 Prison Gangs/Street Gangs
May 14, 2007 Internet & Gangs
May 21, 2007 Review and Presentation
May 28, 2007 Memorial Day ~ No Class
June 4, 2007 Final

There will be one field trip to a correctional facility and modest dress is required for this field trip. No shorts, no bare midriffs, no jeans, no beepers. Lock all personal property in your automobile.

REMINDER: It is the responsibility of the student to ADD or DROP this class.

Attendance will be taken at each class meeting.