criminal justice

Instructions: In preparation for the essay, you will research at least three different theories, each from a different discipline, and find two contemporary examples showing the building blocks towards the realization of the future depicted in your selected episode. For example, Nosedive is often used as a foreshadowing for the Social Credit System deployed in China. Alternatively, both Crocodile and Hated in The Nation are linked to Clearview AI and other facial recognition and big data initiatives.

This outline offers guidance in completing high quality papers that is useful in the learning experience, rather than a rush to complete something that does little for you (or me).

Your paper must follow a standard format.

This format follows classical five-part system followed by ancient Greeks and Roman orators. It worked for them, and it will for us:

· Introduction: One or two paragraphs that state your main argument.

· Background: Information necessary the reader to understand what you are talking about (usually taken from class readings and other explanatory material).

· Lines of Argument: Present your reasons in support of your argument in order of their importance---closely following the evidence that you find to exist.

· Refutation of Opposing Arguments: Consider and address opposing points view.

· Conclusion: One or two paragraphs that summarize your argument and its implications.

To Write a Good Paper, Follow These Composition Guidelines:

1. Never assume the reader has any knowledge of the case or this course. This helps you to write clearly. 15pp Quality is more important than length.

2. Papers should reflect your best effort inasmuch as you put thought, time, background reading, and organization into your written arguments.

Sources

Your work will rely on four types of sources directly relevant to your topic/question:

1. Required class books (books cited specifically where relevant to your topic).

2. Articles from an academic/research journal or book (these are defined as sources that rely extensively on footnotes to document the research and ideas discussed). If you are unsure whether your intended article fits this definition, please ask me in advance.

3. Newspaper or news magazine articles from within the last two calendar years.

4. Two reports from government (e.g., Congressional Research Service, General Accounting Office), a non-governmental organization report (e.g., Global Policy Forum, World Society of Victimology), or a report of an international organization (e.g., UN, OSCE, OAS, ILO).

Credit will be deducted for failure to follow these guidelines:

· All sources used in the paper must be listed with complete citations on the last page.

· Papers must always be submitted electronically via the Blackboard course home page by the due date.

· All sources must be cited (i.e., quoted and/or summarized in your own words) in the paper. Otherwise, they do not add substance to your arguments or reasoning.

· Papers must be computer-generated and double-spaced with one-inch margins on all sides.

· Evidence (data sources, reasoning) must be carefully evaluated for its validity and reliability.

· With convenient grammar-check programs, nothing less than perfect grammar is acceptable.

· Late work will not be accepted under any circumstances absent written documentation of the student’s incapacity that is deemed acceptable to the instructor.

· Source material used must follow the guidelines below (the four types of sources).

· Notes to your sources must follow an accepted system of citation (APA or other) that provides full documentation and page number of the material used.

· Papers must be proofread prior to submission. The instructor should not be the first person to read your paper, and careless errors should not occur.

· All direct quotations must be placed within quotation marks. A footnote alone is not sufficient.

· The sources chosen must be directly relevant to the critical thinking question you select.

· With the advent of convenient spell-check programs, nothing less than perfect spelling is acceptable.

· Paper must reflect an accurate understanding of class readings. Please apply them properly.

Some tips

· Outline your response before you write it down in narrative form.

· Every paragraph you write should have a distinct purpose, leading to your overall conclusion.

· Each paragraph should contain valid data, evidence and/or reasoning regarding the position you have taken.

· Review all vocabulary and sentences for proper grammar, spelling, and organization according to the “Credit will be deducted” guidelines abov

15 pages or 5250 words

The premise of the essay is to select a single episode (Nosedive) and analyze it from different theoretical perspectives. You will need to select at least three theoretical perspectives and then select two examples of technology or practices that mirror to some extent the episode.

To get you started, Nosedive is a fascinating exploration of cultural capital theory and aligns well with other social theories such as Bourdieu’s social capital, Goffman’s dramaturgy, and Becker’s labeling theory. I also find the Context Collapse of privacy to be an important thread across some of the Black Mirror episodes.

Below is a sample list of theories in Criminology and Sociology, though you are not bound to these disciplines. The study of technology and its influence on society exceeds these two disciplines. As such, you are welcome, and encouraged to seek out alternative theories to apply to your analysis.

Criminology

· Biological Theories of Crime

· Criminal Justice Theories

· Cultural Transmission Theory

· Deterrence and Rational Choice Theory

· Labeling Theory and Symbolic Interaction Theory

· Psychological Theories of Crime

· Routine Activities Theory

· Self-Control Theory

· Social Construction Theory

· Social Control Theory

· Social Disorganization Theory

· Social Learning Theory

· Strain Theories

Sociological Theory

· Classic Theory

· Conflict Theory

· Critical Theory

· Exchange Theory

· Legitimacy Theories

· Rational Choice

· Status Characteristics Theory

· Feminist Social Theories

· Cultural

· Liberal

· Marxian

· Psychoanalytic

· Radical

· Socialist

· Third Wave

· Functionalism/Neo-Functionalism

· World Systems/Historical Marxism

· Postmodernism

· Post-Structuralism

· Symbolic Interactionist