Instructions:
This paper, includes two parts:
1. A biography or case (2-pages) of a persons background and their subsequent involvement in criminal behavior. You may choose to address topics including, but not limited to, the persons neighborhood, socioeconomic status, race, family structure, peer groups, physical environment, personality traits, goals, and anticipated costs and benefits of engaging in crime.
The case study should function as an illustration of one of the theories we have learned about over the course of this class. As you write it, keep in mind the major assumptions of the theory you choose, regarding what factors (social, individual, structural, environmental, etc.) lead a person toward crime. You do not have to explicitly state these theoretical assumptions within the biography, but instead make sure that the theory is reflected in the persons decisions and actions. Be sure your facts and examples are specific enough to relate to the theorys concepts.
2. A theoretical application section (2-pages) addressing the following (please write this in paragraph form, not in question/answer form):
a.
a. Describe the theory you chose. How does it account for the origins of criminal behavior?
b. How does the theory you chose explain the main characters behavior?
c. Describe a specific policy change that could be made to ensure that people like the main character in your paper do not engage in crime.
Papers should be written in 12 point font, Times New Roman, and double spaced.
You should also include (these do not count toward page length):
A reference page listing all sources cited. at minimum some of the materials assigned for the course, although you are welcome to use outside scholarly sources to support your arguments.)
In terms of grading, you will be assessed according to the following areas:
1. Biography/Case Study: Ability to construct a storyline about an individual that exemplifies a theory of your choosing.
2. Description of Theory: Ability to provide specific detailed information explaining the theorys assumptions.
3. Application of Theory: Ability to correctly explain how the theory you chose explains the behavior of the character in your biography.
4. Policy Recommendation: Ability to draft a policy change rooted in your chosen theory, which could prevent future offending of the type your character engaged in.
5. Writing Quality: Make sure to proofread your papers for spelling, grammar, phrasing, formatting, etc.
NOTES:
The theory you choose must be a specific theory, not a general category of criminological theories. For example, choosing developmental theory would not be appropriate, because this is a category that contains several theories; however, you could choose Moffitts theory of adolescence-limited vs. life-course offending from within that category. Similarly, you should not choose environmental theory but you could choose routine activity theory as a specific theory that falls under that area. Make sure you can explain exactly which theory you have chosen and which theorist(s) came up with it. Some examples of theories you might choose are listed below.
EXAMPLES OF THEORIES:
Deterrence theory (Beccaria, Stafford & Warr)
Rational choice theory (Cornish & Clarke)
Biosocial and trait theories* (if you choose this one, you should find literature that is more specific than the general overview we covered in class)
Differential association theory (Sutherland & Cressey)
Social learning theory (Akers)
Social disorganization theory
Classic strain theory (Merton)
General strain theory (Agnew)
Developmental theory of adolescence-limited vs. life-course-persistent offending (Moffitt)
Age-graded social bond theory (Sampson & Laub)
Social bond theory (Hirschi)
General theory of crime AKA self-control theory (Gottfredson & Hirschi)
Structural theory addressing race differences (Sampson & Wilson)
Subcultural theory (Anderson and/or Miller)
Coercive mobility theory (Clear)
Perceived discrimination theory (Unnever & Gabbidon)
Routine activity theory (Cohen & Felson)
Situational crime prevention theory (Clarke, Newman)
Broken windows theory (Wilson & Kelling)
Examples of Biography/Cases to use – THESE ARE ONLY EXAMPLES CAN PICK WHICHEVER CASE YOU WISH:
Richard Speck
King Tone
Claus Von Bulow
Peter Rollack
Pamela Smart
Karla Holmoka
Andrew Cunanan
For writer, *(you may choose whichever 1 individual and 1 theory you prefer)*
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