For your mid-term, you will write a 2-3 page paper applying one crime theory to one type of crime or case study. The purpose of this assignment is to showcase your in-depth understanding of one of the theories that we have covered this term and apply that knowledge to an example.

You may select any crime theory that we have covered in class. For example, you could argue that modeling theory, which states that people learn how to commit crimes because that behavior is modeled for them, does the best job of explaining why post-Columbine there has been an explosion of school shootings. Exceptional papers will also show the limitations of the theory as well. For example, in my previous example the author could argue that nearly all school shooters are male, so perhaps there is also a biological component as well. 

In class on Tuesday, November 3rd, we will do an exercise to help you formulate your thesis and review theories.

Length/Format: The paper should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced in 12 point font. It should use an APA citation style.

Subject Specifics:  Your paper must show a thorough understanding of the theory that you select and an ability to apply the theory to a case study or a type of crime. You will need to conduct some outside research to complete this assignment.

Content: look to see that you have incorporated the following in the paper itself:

• A specific and defined thesis 
• A fully developed introduction, body, and conclusion. Please use sub-headings to help organize your paper. Refer to the suggested outline for your paper below.
• Your best research as evidence to support your claim/ thesis 
• Documentation of sources cited using APA style in the body and the Works Cited page
• No typos, careless errors, or proofreading mistakes that decrease credibility

Suggested Outline for your Paper

You do not need to use this sample outline, but I would recommend reading through it carefully, so that you can get a sense of what I am hoping you will cover in your paper.

Introduction – brief introduction to the topic, why does it matter? End with your argument (thesis)

• Why were you drawn to this topic? Why is it important?
• End with your thesis:
  • Understanding XXXX (type of crime/case study), through YYYYY theory, enables us to better understand this type of crime because it highlights ZZZZ. 
  • Or – Using YYYYYYY theory to understand XXXXX crime highlights ZZZZZ (your brilliant insights!).

Background information about type of crime/case study (XXXX in your thesis) 

• What perspective(s) of crime (legal, psychological, sociological, political) grounds this paper? 
  • What is the definition of this crime?  If you are using a legal perspective of crime, what is the legal definition? If you are using a sociological perspective, explain how the example that you have chosen fits into the sociological perspective of crime.
• Are trends for this type of crime going up? down?

Explanation of theory (YYYY in your thesis statement)

• What does the theory argue?
• Situate the theory within the context of other criminological theories. Does it come out of the positivist tradition? Was it a part of the neoclassical movement, driven by the “nothing works doctrine”?
• What evidence is there for this theory? What research has been done about this theory? Is it supported? Not supported?

Application of theory to type of crime/case study (ZZZ in your thesis statement)

• What can we learn by applying this theory to this type of crime? (You can have lots of answers to this question! 
• What are the limitations of applying this theory to this type of crime?

Conclusion – re-state your argument

• Remind the reader of your overall argument (thesis) again.
• Point towards policy implications or ways to reduce crime based on your argument.

Rubric

Some Rubric (2)Some Rubric (2)CriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeType of crime/case study is well described and defined- What perspective(s) of crime (legal, psychological, sociological, political) grounds this paper?
– What is the definition of this crime?
– If you are using a legal perspective of crime, what is the legal definition?
– If you are using a sociological perspective, explain how the example that you have chosen fits into the sociological perspective of crime.
– Are trends for this type of crime going up? down?20.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClear IntroductionIntroduction introduces reader to the topic and explains clearly why it is important to the author.10.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTheory is clearly described- What does the theory argue?
– Situate the theory within the context of other criminological theories.
– Does it come out of the positivist tradition?
– Was it a part of the neoclassical movement, driven by the “nothing works doctrine”?
– What evidence is there for this theory?
– What research has been done about this theory? Is it supported? Not supported?20.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTheory is applied successfully to understanding crime phenomenonWhat can we learn by applying this theory to this type of crime? (You can have lots of answers to this question, but they should make sense. If you are talking about modeling theory, don’t start making conclusions about body chemistry or genetics.)
What are the limitations of applying this theory to this type of crime?20.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWell developed conclusionConclusion restates the authors main points and then points towards further implications or policy recommendations.10.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis and Argument- Thesis is clearly defined at the end of the introductory paper.
– Thesis clearly argues that understanding XXX type of crime through yyyyy theory points towards ZZZZZ insights.
– Argument makes sense, given the selected theory.
– Entire paper supports the author’s argument. (Don’t argue for modeling theory and then explain biosocial theory.)20.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA citationsIn text citations and references are correctly formatted, using APA citations.10.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting is clear and concise- Writing is clear and easy to understand.
– Writing is not overly wordy.
– Paragraphs are clearly formed
– Overall structure of the paper is easy to follow. (Hint: headings can greatly help with this, using my suggested structure is a great place to start)
– The beginning of sentences are capitalized.20.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExtra creditAny extra credit from the Challenge the Textbook assignment?0.0 ptsFull Marks0.0 ptsNo Marks0.0 pts
Total Points: 130.0PreviousNext