Assignment:
The theory is Biosocial Criminology theory.
The purpose of this assignment is to showcase your in-depth understanding of one of the theories that we have covered this term and apply that knowledge to an example.
You may select any crime theory that we have covered in class. For example, you could argue that modeling theory, which states that people learn how to commit crimes because that behavior is modeled for them, does the best job of explaining why post-Columbine there has been an explosion of school shootings. Exceptional papers will also show the limitations of the theory as well. For example, in my previous example the author could argue that nearly all school shooters are male, so perhaps there is also a biological component as well.
Length/Format: The paper should be 2 to 3 pages, double-spaced in 12 point font. It should use an APA citation style.
Subject Specifics: Your paper must show a thorough understanding of the theory that you select and an ability to apply the theory to a case study or a type of crime. You will need to conduct some outside research to complete this assignment.
Content: look to see that you have incorporated the following in the paper itself:
A specific and defined thesis
A fully developed introduction, body, and conclusion. Please use sub-headings to help organize your paper. Refer to the suggested outline for your paper below.
Your best research as evidence to support your claim/ thesis
Documentation of sources cited using APA style in the body and the Works Cited page
No typos, careless errors, or proofreading mistakes that decrease credibility
Suggested Outline for your Paper
You do not need to use this sample outline, but I would recommend reading through it carefully, so that you can get a sense of what I am hoping you will cover in your paper.
Introduction - brief introduction to the topic, why does it matter? End with your argument (thesis)
Why were you drawn to this topic? Why is it important?
End with your thesis:
Understanding XXXX (type of crime/case study), through YYYYY theory, enables us to better understand this type of crime because it highlights ZZZZ.
Or - Using YYYYYYY theory to understand XXXXX crime highlights ZZZZZ (your brilliant insights!).
Background information about type of crime/case study (XXXX in your thesis)
What perspective(s) of crime (legal, psychological, sociological, political) grounds this paper?
What is the definition of this crime? If you are using a legal perspective of crime, what is the legal definition? If you are using a sociological perspective, explain how the example that you have chosen fits into the sociological perspective of crime.
Are trends for this type of crime going up? down?
Explanation of theory (YYYY in your thesis statement)
What does the theory argue?
Situate the theory within the context of other criminological theories. Does it come out of the positivist tradition? Was it a part of the neoclassical movement, driven by the "nothing works doctrine"?
What evidence is there for this theory? What research has been done about this theory? Is it supported? Not supported?
Application of theory to type of crime/case study (ZZZ in your thesis statement)
What can we learn by applying this theory to this type of crime? (You can have lots of answers to this question!
What are the limitations of applying this theory to this type of crime?
Conclusion - re-state your argument
Remind the reader of your overall argument (thesis) again.
T reduce crime based on your argument.