University of Guelph Department of Sociology and Anthropology
SOC 4150 / Youth and Violence / Fall 2025
______________________________________________________________________________
Instructor: Dr. Steph Howells Email: showells@uoguelph.ca

Course Description
This course explores youth and violence with a focus on schools. We will explore the occurrence of youth violence in schools (i.e., bullying and school shootings); how Canada’s juvenile justice system and policies impact schools and youth; and the influence other social institutions such as media (including social media), family, and police have on youth violence especially as it pertains to schools. In this course, we examine how youth violence in schools relates to the core functions of education: socialization, selection, and legitimation. We focus on the causes of, and potential solutions to violence stemming from inside the school (school climate and culture) and outside of the school (neighbourhood effects). We explore various governmental and school-based policies designed to address issues of school violence and their unintended outcomes, such as the school-to-prison pipeline. This class is primarily discussion based, with students facilitating seminar discussions in small groups. Active participation and regular attendance are required.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, successful students will be able to:
• Critically reflect on culture, social relations and social structures in order to develop a broader and deeper understanding of social problems, especially related to youth and violence.
• Communicate effectively, accurately, and professionally, while addressing complex or sensitive issues, in a variety of forms including written work and oral presentations.
• Develop and practice goal-setting, problem-solving, group facilitation, and active listening skills.
• Apply sociological theories and methods to address contemporary, social, and global issues related to youth violence and to develop and evaluate policy.

Evaluation:
Class Engagement & Participation 15% Ongoing
Perusall Readings 10% Due before class
Beyond the Readings 25% Group presentation / class facilitation
Essay Proposal 15%
Research Essay Presentation 5% Individual Presentation
Peer Review of Essay 5%
Final Research Essay 25%

Readings:
All readings will be available through ARES, through the library e-journals, or on CourseLink.

I reserve the right to make changes to modify elements of this outline; a complete outline will be provided on the first day of class.