Course Details

Chicago’s Gun Violence Epidemic

This combined law and public policy course will introduce students to Chicago's longstanding gun violence epidemic. For decades, gun violence has disproportionately impacted a limited number of neighborhoods on Chicago's South and West sides. The course will address the history and root causes of that social justice concern. The course, which will include visiting lecturers,will examine the roles of Chicago government, law enforcement, the criminal justice system, social services organizations, philanthropy, and the business community in addressing the epidemic. The course will cover substantive law and case examples relating to gangs and guns, including the use of RICO and other legal and investigative tools to combat gun violence. The course is intended to take a comprehensive look at Chicago's gun violence epidemic, to foster thoughtful dialogue about the causes and long-term solutions, and to inspire future generations to action.Students will be evaluated based on papers and may be requested to do oral presentations associated with their papers.

Catalog Number: CRIM 650

Additional Course Information: Research Writing


Course History

Spring 2023
Title: Chicago’s Gun Violence Epidemic
Faculty: Fardon, Zachary Thomas
Jenkins, Lindsay C
Otlewski, Patrick Mak
Section: 1     Credits: 2.0
Capacity: 25     Actual: 24

Spring 2022
Title: Chicago’s Gun Violence Epidemic
Faculty: Fardon, Zachary Thomas
Jenkins, Lindsay C
Otlewski, Patrick Mak
Section: 1     Credits: 2.0
Capacity: 25     Actual: 22