Assignment Instructions
For this assignment, students will choose a case, event or issue relating to criminology/ criminal justice and apply a particular theory (or theories) of crime to the topic identified.
Main Sections
In addition to a title page and reference list, your paper should include the following five elements:
1.) An introduction (1 paragraph)
2.) A Summary of the case or issue (1½-2 pages)
3.) A description of the theory/theories chosen (1-2 pages)
4.) An explanation of how the theory “fits” and applies to the particular case (1½ -2 pages)
5.) A conclusion (1 paragraph)
Due Date: All reports will be due for submission (via Blackboard) on June 10, 2015 at 11:59 PM. Turnitin software may be used for plagiarism detection.
Technical Requirements: Reports are expected to be 5-6 pages double-spaced (not including title page or references), using 12 pt. Times New Roman font. APA format should be adhered to for formatting and referencing purposes.
Late assignments will incur a penalty of 5% per day for the first week, and 10% per day thereafter.
Choosing a Theory
In addition to using your lecture notes and course readings, you will probably find it necessary to supplement your analysis with additional information on the particular theory chosen. Accordingly, I have put the following resources on hold at the library. Of course, you are also more than welcome to use other sources, including journal articles and books. Nevertheless, these are great starting points!
Cullen, F. T., & Wilcox, P. (2010). Encyclopedia of criminological theory. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE Publications.
Call Number: Volume 1 HV6017 .E527 2010 v.1
Volume 2 HV6017 .E527 2010 v.2
*ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE
Cullen, F. T., & Agnew, R. (2011). Criminological theory: Past to present : Essential readings. New York: Oxford University Press.
Call Number: HV6025 .C83 2011
Tibbetts, S. G., & Hemmens, C. (2010). Criminological theory: A text/reader. Los Angeles: SAGE.
Call Number: HV6018 .T53 2010
Barlow, H. D., & Kauzlarich, D. (2010). Explaining crime: A primer in criminological theory. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield.
Call Number: HV6018 .B367 2010
Akers, R. L., & Sellers, C. S. (2009). Criminological theories: Introduction, evaluation, and application. New York: Oxford University Press.
Call Number HV6018 .A38 2009
Marking Guidelines
Content (out of 15)
Thorough explanation of issue/case/event (out of 5)
Thorough explanation of theory (out of 5)
Appropriate application of criminological theory (out of 5)
Organization (out of 5)
The paper is clearly written, includes an introduction and conclusion, and is structured in a way that makes sense and flows seamlessly.
Technical Expectations, Spelling and Grammar (out of 5)
The paper adheres to the technical guidelines mentioned above, and is free from spelling and grammar errors.
Total: /25
