Gun Violence and Society

I am eager to participate in this course development program because it aligns directly with my work at the intersection of criminal justice reform, public policy, and community advocacy. As an instructor and scholar focused on civic accountability, data-driven justice reform, and responsible gun policy advocacy, I am committed to preparing students to translate theory into meaningful social action. My engagement in gun violence prevention and broader criminal justice reform efforts has reinforced the importance of equipping students with frameworks that connect research, leadership, and measurable community impact.

This opportunity is especially timely as I continue developing justice-centered curricula that integrate social action theory, policy analysis, and community engagement—particularly within HBCU contexts. Strengthening my pedagogical approach to guiding students from critical reflection to structured advocacy and systems-level reform will enhance my ability to prepare future educators and justice professionals to lead inclusive, evidence-based change in the communities they serve.

This course examines gun violence through the intersecting lenses of public policy, social inequality, and community engagement. Students will analyze firearm-related laws, prevention strategies, and justice system responses at the federal, state, and local levels, while exploring how gun violence shapes communities, public institutions, and systems of accountability. The course emphasizes the role of grassroots organizing, survivor advocacy, public health partnerships, and civic coalitions in advancing policy change and promoting community safety.

As a designated service-learning course, students are required to complete a minimum of 20–30 community engagement hours with approved partner organizations working in violence prevention, victim advocacy, youth development, public health, restorative justice, or policy reform. Engagement activities may include community education support, data analysis assistance, policy research, outreach initiatives, or program evaluation tasks, depending on organizational needs.

Through structured reflection assignments, policy briefs, and a final applied advocacy project, students will connect academic theory to real-world practice. Emphasis will be placed on ethical engagement, professional communication, stakeholder collaboration, and evidence-informed social action.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically evaluate gun policy, interpret relevant data, and translate research into meaningful community-centered advocacy and public safety initiatives.

Elycia Daniel

Gun Violence and Society

Sociology and Criminal Justice

Clark Atlanta University