Goal:The goal of this assignment is for you to demonstrate your understanding of contemporary criminological thinking by applying the lessons learned in class to a criminological case study. Your assignment is to read and assessThe Jack-Roller: A Delinquent Boys Own Story by Clifford R. Shaw. Drawing upon evidence from class readings, class lecture and discussion, you will profile Stanley's life of crime. This is your opportunity to show that you can apply what you have learned in class to real world scenarios. To do well on this assignment you should concentrate on one theory; don't spread yourself too thinly and try to cover too much material from either the course or book. Pick one theory and discuss it well.
Theory options:
• Gottfredson and Hirschi: Self-Control Theory
• Sampson and Laub: Age-graded Theory of Informal Social Control
• Moffitt: Developmental Taxonomy
Requirements: Your essay should address ALL of the following points:
1. Introduction
• An introduction sets the stage for an essay by stating your thesis and providing a brief statement of why this topic is important. The introduction captures the reader's attention and provides a road map for what topic your essay will focus on.
• Thesis statement: state your thesis for your essay. Be sure to think about what makes for a strong thesis when writing your thesis statement.
- Underline your thesis statement in your submission.
- NOTE: Your thesis should reference one of the theories listed above, with a correct in-text citation.
- Ex: In this paper I will provide support for Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) Self-Control theory,specifically the concepts of X, Y, and Zas presented inThe Jack-Roller (Shaw 1930).
2. Description of Theory
• Following your thesis statement, explain the fundamental argument(s) of the theory you have presented in your thesis statement. Provide a thorough summary of the theory including key concepts and a definition of these concepts using your own words to describe them.
- Be careful to not rely on too many direct quotes as that only demonstrates that you can copy quotes and does not show that you understand the theory.
3. Presentation of Topic Sentences & Evidence
• Strong essays provide evidenced-based arguments that support your thesis statement. To do this, you should structure your essay so that each paragraph is related to, or provides support for, the thesis statement presented in your introduction.
- Your essay should include 3 topic sentences that provide evidence to support your thesis. For example, if you are arguing that the book supports the theory of self-control then you will want to provide a topic sentence that references a specific aspect or concept of the theory.Then, use evidence from the book to support your statement.Remember, if you are quoting material from the text be sure to include an appropriate in-text citation with page number.
4. Prediction. The book leaves off in the middle of Stanley's life (early 20s). Using the logic behind the theory you reviewed for part 2 of this essay, briefly discuss what you think happens to Stanley. Does he stay on the straight and narrow path living life as an upstanding citizen? Why do you think this? Or does he fall back into a life of crime? Why do you think this?Support your decision with evidence from the class and/or book.Although you are relying upon your ability to look into a crystal ball and foresee the future, your best guess should be grounded in (i.e., consistent with) the theory you chose for your paper.
5. Conclusion. In your conclusion, you should discuss what we can learn about crime or crimecontrol from the book. What questions remain unanswered?
Final Product
• You will submit to safeassignAND in paper format a formal term paper including:
- A formal introduction, with strong thesis statement(1 paragraph)
- A formal and thorough discussion of a criminological theory (2 paragraphs in length)
- Follow-up paragraphs with a topic sentence and supportive evidence from the book that related back to original the thesis statement (3 or more paragraphs)
- A prediction section that is strongly grounded in the theory you chose (1 paragraph)
- A conclusion (1 paragraph)
- A reference page for all in-text citations
- You MUST cite and reference:
• The book: The Jack-Roller
• The class textbook: Criminological Theory: Past and Present
Format: The paper must be typed with page numbers
• Times New Roman, No larger than 12 point font; Double spaced; 1 inch margins
• The final paper should be 5 pages in length (4 page minimum; 6 page maximum - I will not read anything after 6 pages).
• Use ASA format to cite and reference materials; use it consistently throughout the paper.
• Include a reference page (not included in the total page count)
- You MUST cite and reference:
1. The book: The Jack-Roller
2. The class textbook: Criminological Theory: Past and Present