The final paper is your partial demonstration of completion of course objectives. Each objective can serve as a section of your paper. However, if you desire, you may select another format but each objective should be clearly addressed in your final synthesis paper.

(excluding title page, abstract, and references) in length, double-spaced, and in APA format. Length is not as important as the quality, however, you cannot address the issues in the depth required in less than two pages per objective, after editing. Remember it is a synthesis and as such should make minimal use of adjectives and adverbs.

Course Objectives: By successfully completing the learning activities of the course, you should be able to:

Explain the current status, historical growth, and projected trends of gang membership in the United States and locally. (12 pages)

Describe current research on gang formation and the implications for society and community, local and national.

Identify and classify the types of gangs common in various geographical or societal communities and their effect on social, educational, and criminal justice systems, including social service and health providers, police, courts, and schools. And the problems encountered in classification.

Assess various approaches, programs, and policies for responding to gang formation and activities.

Synthesize relevant issues in gang formation and functioning and create recommendations for community response.