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SOC 385The Sociology of Street Gangs

Units
0.50
Faculty
Arts
Subject
Sociology

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 3 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

This course provides an in-depth exploration into why youth join gangs, their behaviours, and the policy implications that rise out of state and community intervention. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to a) critically explain the socio-historical development of gangs in the US and Canada; b) explain through criminological and sociological concepts and theories the root causes of gangs and gang violence in contemporary society; and c) understand and articulate the subsequent policy implications. Students will explore these issues through a diverse set of learning strategies including art-based research, group discussions, as well as guest speakers.

Prerequisites

  • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
    • SOC101 - Introduction to Sociology (0.50)
    • SOC101R - Introduction to Sociology (0.50)

Antirequisites

  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Reviewed on UW Flow

100% liked it85% easy75% useful

From 5 ratings and 4 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • Good course to take with easy to follow flow. Only downside is that every grade is group dependent, but if you get a good group like I did you'll do well. Adam Ellis wants you to learn and understand the content and his dedication shows.

    Dec 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Took this course in Fall 2025 with Adam. One of the more critically engaging courses I have taken in my four years of undergrad so far. As a prof who challenges the colonial structure of university and knowledge dissemination, he invites everyone to share their stories and critical perspectives on issues. There is a quick turnaround for the weekly reflections as classes were on Monday and you do an in-class activity in your group/"gang" and write a one-page, single-spaced reflection as a group in response to reflection questions and tie in how it relates to the activity and the assigned reading for that week to submit on Wednesday, so it is key that you stay on top of your readings (that…

    Dec 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • This was such an incredible class, and I recommend it to literally anyone! All I can say is that it was not what I expected it would be like at all, but in the best way possible. I took this class on a whim as an English major, and I feel that I learned so sooo much from this class--about the streets, about society, about status, racism, etc. Adam Ellis is the coolest prof ever, by the way. Some of our class activities involved drawing and rapping, which was a pleasant surprise if you enjoy creative assignments! Learning in such an engaging way was an incredible experience and I genuinely feel like I came out of that class with so much knowledge--10/10 class!

    Jul 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • This course is a term-long group assignment, with weekly group reflections and class activities, and a group final, so keep that in mind if you dislike group work. Also know that you have the same group all semester, so if they suck, you are stuck with them.

    Mar 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar