English 102/Zappa
Fall „12
G-Dog and the Homeboys: GROUP TEACHING PRESENTATION
For this project, your group will trace an issue related to East LA street gangs throughout
the book, and help the class think critically about that area: What is true, and what is myth
or stereotype? What makes the problem complex or difficult to solve? Is the problem present
in the Bay Area at the present time? What does it look like in the here and now?
As we finish the book, your group will be the experts for 20-25 minutes by giving a
presentation and leading a discussion around your topic. Your group should:
Give us 3 - 4 key quotes from throughout the book to read closely with the class.
Explain their significance to your topic.
Research your issue as it relates to the Bay Area in our current time … what do we
know? What‟s changed/different/same as East LA in 1992?
Bring in visuals and/or audio (e.g. song/film clip/Power Point) to stimulate our thinking
Explain the “so what?” telling us why we should care; on whom does this topic/ area
have a potential impact and in what specific ways?
You will need to work both from the text directly and incorporate information from outside the
text. This is what I mean by “work inside and outside the text.” ALL groups should be sure to
include the entire text, all the way though the Epilogue.
Group 1. Inner-city kids and unstable, dysfunctional, or unsupportive families
Give us some examples of these as they are experienced by some of the gang members.
Being sure to show some compassion (i.e., avoiding too much judgment) discuss the effects on
the kids and how some of the problems could be addressed.
Group 2. Police interaction with gangs
Describe some of the ways police interact with gang members. Think critically and try
to be objective. How can some of these problems be addressed? What are some public policies
that have an effect? How does the experience of arrest and prison affect those involved?
Group 3. Gang culture and its effects
Explain some of the specific effects of the culture of gang life; because it is intergenerational it can involve substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and domestic violence, among
others.
Group 4. Effects of poverty, life in the projects
What is the relationship between poverty and the inclination of resident teens to join
gangs? Why is a work life so important? Describe the Jobs program, how it works, and Father
Greg‟s changing role in trying to address the problem.
Group 5. Community interventions
What are the ways in which the community has taken the problems on, both with and
without Father Greg‟s help? How effective are they, and what are some other ideas for
addressing the problem?
Note that there is certainly overlap among these topics. They are not always neatly separated
or even, at times, clearly defined. You have to infer when your area applies, which will
demand close, focused, reading and annotation throughout the text. Your job will be to
identify where the ideas in your area come into play as much as possible, as well as to show
(and discuss) when they do overlap. As you read, note with special attention your area of
focus.
All presentations are due on Tuesday, Oct. 16th (see assignment sheet). Be creative! Your
group should include all of the above, plus explanation of vocabulary terms or unfamiliar
references, and plenty of focus on the “so what?” question. You must use visual aids, and you
may include skits, costumes, a brief news video excerpt, a comic strip, a poster and/or
interaction with your audience (that means us!), or just about anything else your group can
imagine. Don‟t bury us in information. Make your area of expertise come alive. Show us why
it matters.
Be creative! There are many effective ways to give the class a sense of the topic and why it
matters. You will be graded individually for these presentations; in order to receive credit, you
must each speak and make a clear contribution to your group. Part of your grade is based
on how well you balance the presentation, so make sure that one or two people don‟t do most
of the talking. Be focused and prepared, and DO NOT READ to us. If you are absent the day
of these presentations, you may not make up the assignment nor will you receive any credit;
you are also responsible for contacting your group members so they can prepare to cover for
you.
35 points
Group 1. Inner-city kids and unstable, dysfunctional, or unsupportive
families
Group 2. Police interaction with gangs
Group 3. Gang culture and its effects
Group 4. Effects of poverty, life in the projects
Group 5. Community interventions
Group 1. Inner-city kids and unstable, dysfunctional, or unsupportive
families
Group 2. Police interaction with gangs
Group 3. Gang culture and its effects
Group 4. Effects of poverty, life in the projects
Group 5. Community interventions