Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course is an introduction to the interrelations of organized crime, such as gangs and narcotics, to the community. Topics include the impact of covert criminal activities upon the social structure, symptoms of organized crime, political influences in the legal system, and management of crime control units.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Analyze the impact, structure and operations of organized crime groups.
- Identify the symptoms of organized crime in the community and describe the role of the citizen in organized crime control.
- List and describe specific criminal violations in the areas of vice, such as gambling, prostitution and drugs, with emphasis upon narcotics, obscenity and pornography.
- Identify and discuss the techniques of organized criminal groups in fraud and theft cases, (often referred to as white-collar crimes).
- Identify the different intelligence and management techniques used in criminal justice agencies, to control the crimes said to be committed by organized groups.
- Evaluate the different intelligence and management techniques used in criminal justice agencies, to control the crimes said to be committed by organized groups.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Organized Crime and the Drug Problem | 3.00 |
Psychoactive Drugs: History and Classification | 3.00 |
Heredity, Environment, and Psychoactive Drugs | 3.00 |
Central Nervous System Stimulants | 3.00 |
Downers: Opiates/Opioids and Sedative Hypnotics | 3.00 |
Alcohol | 3.00 |
Psychedelics | 3.00 |
Other Drugs, Other Addictions | 3.00 |
Drug Use and Prevention | 3.00 |
Treatment | 3.00 |
Mental Health and Drugs | 3.00 |
Overview of a Gang | 3.00 |
Historical Development of a Gang | 3.00 |
How The Gang Has Evolved Over Time | 3.00 |
How the Gang Has Influenced the Development and Direction of Public Policy | 3.00 |
What Groups of People Within This Gang Exercise the Most Power and Control | 3.00 |
What are the Career Opportunities in this Gang and How Are They Reached | 3.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Multimedia Presentations
Methods of Evaluation
- Class participation
- Class Discussion
- Examinations/essay estimated 4,000 words, Research of current issues/prepare arguments
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read and outline the chapter on Psychedelics and turn it in at the next class session.
- Read the chapter on drug treatment and gang suppression and be prepared to discuss the topic in class.
Writing Assignments
- Research the California Health & Safety Codes regarding what constitutes an illegal sale of narcotics and submit a one-page written outline on your findings.
- Research a current gang within your community and write a minimum 1500 word research paper on the topic.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Prepare a minimum two-page outline summarizing the nexus between organized crime groups and cocaine.
- Locate a current newspaper article on current events relating to drug and gang problems and come to class prepared to discuss what you learned.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Inaba, D. & Cohen, W. (2011). Uppers, Downers, All Arounders. CNS Productions, 7th.
Minimum Qualifications
Administration of Justice