Term Paper Assignment

Objective: This assignment is designed to give students an opportunity to explore a criminological issue of their choice in depth. The goal is to develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills, while applying theoretical concepts and empirical evidence to a real-world problem in criminology.

Instructions:

1. Topic Selection: Choose a topic from the list provided below or propose a topic of your own (subject to instructor approval). Your paper should focus on a specific criminological issue, theory, or perspective, and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant literature and research.
2. Format:
   • The paper should be 10-12 pages in length (excluding the title page and reference page).
   • Your paper must be formatted in APA 7th edition style. This includes:
     • Title page
     • Abstract
     • In-text citations
     • Reference page
   • A minimum offive (5) peer-reviewed sources should be cited in your paper. These can include books, academic journal articles, or credible institutional reports.
3. Structure of the Paper:
   • Introduction: Introduce the topic, explain why it is significant to criminology, and outline your main argument or thesis.
   • Literature Review: Summarize key studies, theories, and debates related to your topic.
   • Analysis: Analyze the issue critically, applying criminological theories and concepts.
   • Conclusion: Summarize your findings, provide implications for criminology, and suggest areas for further research.

Sample Topics for the Term Paper:

Below are some suggested topics, but you are welcome to propose your own (with instructor approval):

1. The Impact of Social Media on Criminal Behavior: Explore how platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram contribute to or deter criminal activities, including cyberbullying, cybercrime, or hate speech.
2. The Role of Race and Ethnicity in the Criminal Justice System: Analyze how race and ethnicity influence arrest rates, sentencing, and incarceration, and examine theories explaining racial disparities.
3. Theories of Crime and Deviance: Discuss classical and modern criminological theories (e.g., strain theory, social learning theory, labeling theory) and how they explain different forms of criminal behavior.
4. Juvenile Delinquency and Prevention: Examine the causes of juvenile delinquency and evaluate the effectiveness of various prevention programs, such as community-based interventions and rehabilitation.
5. The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs in Prisons: Investigate whether rehabilitation programs (such as educational or vocational training) reduce recidivism among incarcerated individuals.
6. The War on Drugs: A Critical Evaluation: Analyze the social and economic impacts of the war on drugs in the United States, and discuss whether it has been effective in reducing drug-related crime.
7. Gender and Crime: Explore how gender influences criminal behavior, victimization, and the criminal justice system's response, focusing on issues like female offenders or the gender gap in violent crime.
8. The Role of Policing in Crime Prevention: Examine community policing, broken windows theory, or other policing strategies, and their effectiveness in reducing crime rates.
9. The Impact of Mental Illness on Criminal Behavior: Investigate the link between mental health issues and criminal behavior, and explore policies for addressing mental illness in the criminal justice system.
10. White-Collar Crime: Examine the nature of white-collar crime (fraud, embezzlement, insider trading) and discuss its social and economic impacts, as well as its legal implications.

Formatting Requirements:

• Use 12-point Times New Roman font.
• Double-space the entire paper, including references.
• Include page numbers in the upper right-hand corner.
• The title page should contain the paper's title, your name, the course title, and the date.
• Your reference list should follow APA 7th edition guidelines.

Grading Criteria:

Your paper will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Clarity and Organization: Is the paper well-structured and clearly written?
• Depth of Analysis: Does the paper engage critically with the topic and relevant criminological theories?
• Use of Research: Are credible, peer-reviewed sources used, and is evidence integrated into the paper effectively?
• Adherence to APA Style: Is the paper properly formatted according to APA guidelines, with correct citations and references?
• Originality and Argumentation: Does the paper present an original perspective or argument and avoid summarizing general information?

Note: Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any evidence of academic dishonesty will result in severe consequences, in accordance with university policy.