The purpose of this 4-credit class is to involve students in a series of readings and discussions that explore the causes and consequences of youth violence and gang behavior. Solutions to the problems of youth violence and juvenile gang activity are reviewed through required readings. In addition to classroom participation, students are required to meet with a troubled youth in the community for a minimum of three hours per week.
Students receive training in how to effectively mentor troubled youth during class sessions.
Class Reflection Sessions will also be used to discuss communityservice experiences on a group and individual basis. Approachesfor understanding and working with ethnically-diverse and female youth will be examined and discussed in the class. Finally, a series of field trips and guest speakers will be scheduled to further facilitate classroom learning and community service experiences. Students serve as mentors to one troubled youth in the program three hours per week. Theories of delinquency and gang involvement and strategies to reduce violence among adolescents are included in class content.