Essay Assignment

This assignment asks you to examine a recent news story dealing with a crime

in Canada and how it is impacted by, or impacts the criminal justice system; i.e.

the media's role, societal issues and the role of legal/policy systems in this

country. You will be expected to apply some of the criminological theories,

concepts and/or themes we have learned about crime and criminology in

Canada so far, to your particular article.

For this you will choose a newspaper/reputable online article that discusses a

crime in the community, that interests you, then, you will then write a

critical/analytic essay about the case/story/issue(s), society's response, and

the challenges with dealing with this crime in our community. The essay will draw

links between the article, course materials and some of the theories and concepts

we have learned about crime and criminology in the course. At a minimum, the

essay must draw on at least four (4) theories, concepts and/or themes to

provide context for and discussion of crime in Canada. Below is a breakdown of

the evaluation for the project.

Required length: 5 pages double spaced (not including title page or

reference page)Worth: 35% of your final mark

Papers must be typed, double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with 1

inch margins.

Criteria for essay grading

Your essay will be graded using the following criteria, assessing, the quality of

your analysis/argument (this includes your comprehension, interpretation and

critical analysis of the course materials); the structure of your essay (how well

you develop a clear, coherent line of argument); originality and creativity;

integration of course materials (this includes direct references to and citation of

course readings); and how well you follow instructions. Problems with

organization, logic and clarity, as well as errors in grammar, spelling and syntax

will figure significantly in the grading process, so thoroughly review and edit your

essay prior to submitting it.