Detailed instructions are attached:
Understanding Criminal Behavior (CCJ6056) is a course about theories of crime causation. For your paper, you get to become the theorist! As you do so, you should reflect on each of the topics and theories that we will have discussed throughout the course and answer the question “What are the root causes of crime and what can be done to prevent or reduce crime in society?”
Throughout the course we will discuss many theories of crime. Some, you will be attracted to, others not so much. Which theory do you identify with and/or which theory are you more attracted to. Note that I didn’t say, which theory has the most empirical support (although some might want to go that way). Heck, maybe the testing of the theory has been conducted incorrectly or the theory is just very hard to test. Now, I don’t want to go into too much detail here, because I don’t want to confuse the issue this early in the course, but some of you might want to combine a couple of theories. On the other hand, some of you might believe in parsimony and eliminate a concept or two that you feel are unnecessary from a single theory. We will see moving forward that the opportunities for theories are endless.
The causes of crime are complex and multifaceted. Most people today accept that poverty, parental neglect, low self-control, alcohol and drug abuse are all connected in explaining why people commit crime. Some people buy into genetics as a cause of crime, although research has stated that it is more often an interaction between genes and the environment that predicts criminal behavior. Having a genetic predisposition for criminal behavior does not determine the actions of an individual, but if they are exposed to the right environment, then their chances are greater for engaging in criminal or anti-social behavior (according to these theories). Others downplay the role of genetics all together and point out that anyone raised in a socially disorganized neighborhood is more prone to crime because of lack of controls (and lack of legitimate opportunity.) Therefore, some people are simply at greater risk of becoming offenders because of the circumstances into which they are born. Research can only hope to eliminate some factors from consideration and strengthen our confidence in the role played by other factors. Naturally, as research continues to be conducted, our picture of crime and crime causation constantly changes.
You are already being introduced to the project. You will continue to work on this project at your own pace. You will submit a minimum 1,500 to 2000 word paper (not to include an abstract, cover page, or references). Your paper will be graded via a Rubric. The Rubric serves as your Scoring Guide so make sure you follow it. You will submit your paper in “WORD.” Please do not attempt to submit a paper in a PDF format, it will not be accepted.
Students should develop a thesis statementLinks to an external site. that concisely articulates the paper’s main point(s), while directing the reader to the content in the body of the paper. This thesis statement should be made very clearly in the last sentence(s) of the first paragraph (or the end of the introduction if it includes more than one paragraph). To be clear, you can even write (though not in bold): The thesis of this paper is that…. (Dr. Arneklev will be scoring how clear your thesis statement is laid out, so you might want to make it easy for him to find.) [Please remember the previous point, because it may not be repeated continuously.] The body of the paper should cite specific theories, relevant material, concepts, authors, and research.
It will help to sequence your ideas through well-developed paragraphs with transitional statements/phrases, which will enhance the paper’s organization. Since papers may evolve from week-to-week, comparing and contrasting your position on each week’s topics will be a fruitful exercise that will direct you to the root cause of crime and what we can do about it.
It is strongly encouraged that students submit their papers early in Module 8 to ensure that their paper is submitted on time.
Response Guidelines
To achieve a successful experience and outcome, you are expected to meet the following requirements.
- Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- Length of paper: 1500-2000 words
- APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to APA Style and Formatting(7th Edition), (i.e., title page, abstract, reference page, double-spacing, appropriate citation formats, use of appropriate level of headings, Times New Roman 12-point font).
- Number of resources: Appropriateness depends on topic(s). Must include the use of academic articles. These are articles that have been peer reviewed. (See www.fau.edu/library . Do not just go to the internet for a search.)
- Paper must be submitted through Turnitin, so proceed to Module 8 when it is opened to the Course Paper and Submission Link. There you will be guided through the upload process through Turnitin. I have included Turnitin as an External Tool in the Submission Link.
Note: Make sure you have followed instructions and followed the APA format and style. There will be examples on the Discussion Board so make sure you check.
Resources: The following rubric may be upgraded. Please make-sure to read the “Common errors to avoid” listed below the Rubric. In other words, DO NOT make those errors.