Background: Understanding
and applying theory is one of the most important and difficult aspects of
criminology. This course is designed to reemphasize the importance of
understanding criminology theory. Due to this, this semester assessment will
evaluate your ability to describe and apply a criminology theory
The Assignment: This
essay will ask you to identify a theory, describe it, then apply it to a
current criminal justice story in the news.
1. This is a theory-based assignment that you will need to
identify and describe a theory of your choice. Describe the concepts
and components of the theory, the process the theory describes, and the
potential outcomes the theory describes. You are free to choose any theory
you like, but please also keep in mind your selected news story since you will
want them to work well together.
2. This essay assignment asks you to apply your theory to a
current news story. Identify and summarize a criminal justice story
from the news. The story should be from within the last six months.
Assume I am not familiar with the story so you will need to provide me all the
relevant facts about your story I will need to understand how you are going to
relate it to your theory. You have free choice about what you will select. You
can choose a story about a specific crime, a crime trend, policy decisions
about criminal justice, or any other story you see pertinent. Be sure that the
theory you selected fits well with your story. You will not want to necessarily
match a theory that is at a macro level (populations) to a story that talks
about a micro level (individuals). You can make this selection but it may make
your application more challenging.
3. The final thing you will want to do is tie the theory and the
story together. Apply and explain the theoretical connections you see
to the story. You will want to highlight the concepts, components, and
process that you described earlier and how it relates to the story you chose.
Identify aspects you feel are particularly strong or weak.
Format: Your
essay should be 4 to 6 pages long (a cover sheet is not necessary). It should
be in 12-point font, double-spaced, and with 1 inch margins. Writing much less
than 4 pages will hurt your grade. You should rely on materials covered in the
course identify another other source for your story as well. You must use the
APA system for references. This system is described in the “APA Citation
Guide”, which is posted on Blackboard. This essay is an important part of
your grade so devote adequate time to it. If you have trouble writing essays
you can receive writing assistance at the University Writing Center (see
syllabus for more information)
Grading: You
will be graded on the four following areas:
STYLE
• Spelling generally correct
• Punctuation generally correct
• Syntax generally correct (subject-verb agreement, correct use of
tenses, prepositions used correctly, etc.)
• Sentence structure correct (no run-on sentences, sentence
fragments, wordy sentences etc.)
• Paragraph structure correct (topic sentence, following text
logically connected)
• Sources cited appropriately in text
• References listed correctly at end
• Citation style follows a standard form (see Syllabus)
CONTENT
• Appropriate array of sources used (textbook, lectures, etc.)
• Sources are accurately presented (quoted, paraphrased, etc.)
• Sources are used appropriately in essay
• “Backing up” of generalizations by using details,
examples, illustrations, and comparisons
• Stays on the topic
• Does not use racist or sexist language (e.g., use
“Human” instead of “Man”)
THOUGHTFULNESS
• Evidence from sources used to make point
• Arguments are supported logically
• Arguments are supported with evidence
• Demonstrates understanding of the material
• Directly answers the question(s) with adequate depth
OVERALL QUALITY
• Thoughtfulness of entire essay
• Accuracy of entire essay
• Appearance of paper (neatness)
• Has a beginning, middle and end