Assignment:
Throughout the course, we have explored several different theories to explain why crime happens. For this assignment, you will write an application paper in which you analyze a specific criminal incident using information from the class. Each paper will be 1,000 to 1,500 words (approximately 4 to 5 double-spaced pages), double-spaced, using Times New Roman, 12 point font with 1" margins in a Word Document. Appropriate citation (APA or ASA) should be used and a reference sheet should be attached in the same document (do not save the reference page in a separate document). Your paper should be written in an essay format with an introduction, main points, and a conclusion. Make sure that each section described below is clearly included within the paper.
Requirements: Students will choose one person who is currently on death row or who has been executed since 2000 from one of the following lists.
https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/executions/upcoming-executions#year2020
https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/state-and-federal-info/federal-death-penalty/list-of-federal-deathrow-prisoners
https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/executions/2020
The student should research the crime that has led to the offender's death penalty conviction as well as the criminal history/background of the person who was convicted of the crime. (You may have to do some searching on a few of these offenders before finding one that you think will work.) After researching, the student should apply at least two theories from the textbook to the offender/crime. The paper should address the following issues:
1) Apply two specific theories from the textbook with specific details from your research to the offender/crime. (Rational Choice Theory is removed as a potential theory. All other theories from the textbook are fair game.)
2) Use the same two theories from above to explain how the theory suggests the crime could have been prevented based on the facts of the case. Example: Rational Choice theory would suggest that increasing the punishment (difficult in this case) or increasing the risk of getting caught could have potentially prevented the crime. Note that you should use citation/references for any sources that you use to research the case as well as the textbook for this class. Any information that you incorporated into your paper (paraphrased, summarized, or quoted), which you did not personally come up with, should be cited. You will be graded on the following:
• Clarity of application of theories. Specific details were used from the case. Theories were correctly applied.
• Clarity of discussion of how the crime might have been prevented based on the specific theories that were chosen. Use of theories for support and discussion.
• Support for claims made in the paper. Research and detail are evident. Information is connected to the textbook and other course materials.
• Writing mechanics. Citation is use properly. Correct grammar, punctuation, and other writing mechanics are used. Paper is clearly written. Instructions for the paper are followed. Failure to use citation will result in a zero on the paper. If you have questions about citation, you are strongly encouraged to contact the EIU Writing Center.
• Evidence that information has been taken from (plagiarism/"study") websites where other students' work is posted will result in a zero and will be reported to the Office of Student Standards. DO NOT CONSULT THESE SITES.
Theories you can use( Only have to include 2) :
-Instrumental Theory
-Structural Theory
-Power control theory
-age graded theory
-propensity theory
-cultural deviance theory
-Institutional Anomie Theory
-General strain theory
-cultural deviance theory