Prerequisite: permission of the program director. This course provides the student with an overview of the gang presence and criminal activity in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico; and the rationale for the United States’ interest in understanding the gang phenomena in these countries. Students will explore the severity of the gang problem, causes, and risk factors for gang activity. Students will examine the current strategic and programmatic recommendations to impact gang activity in these countries. 47 contact hours.