Course Catalogue

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Framing the study of gangs in the context of debates on globalisation, youth studies and urban sociology, this course will approach street gangs as a lens through which to analyse broader processes of social change and inequality in the contemporary era. Taking in perspectives from children and young people involved alongside the social, economic, cultural, and political forces shaping these experiences, the course aims to equip students with an understanding of gangs that is sensitive to both the micro- and macro-level forces at work in the global era.

20 contact hours over the course of a single semester. This will normally consist of 2 hours per week and may be a combination of lectures and seminars/workshops.

In order to take this course you need to have met the requirements for entry into our Honours Programme. Basically, this means achieving a grade of 'D' or better in Sociology 1A and 1B and a 'C' or better in Sociology 2A and 2B. You also have to comply with the College of Social Science regulations for progression to Honours.

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One 4,000 word essay.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The course aims to:

1. Introduce students to key criminological and sociological concepts in the study of youth gangs.

2. Locate the study of youth gangs within the context of current debates surrounding globalisation.

3. Draw on case-studies of youth gangs in different world cities to illuminate theoretical debates.

4. Analyse the differing forms and trajectories of gangs in world cities, against the backdrop of social change in these environments.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critical assess the major definitional and conceptual debates within the field of youth gangs

2. Analyse the historical trajectory of gangs in a specific world city

3. Explain the intersections of criminology and globalisation in the study of gangs

4. Evaluate the sociological and criminology significance of gangs as a global phenomenon

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.