LGBT & Jeffrey Dahmer paper

DISCUSSION FORUMS 4

Summary:

Students assume the identity of a well-known theorist and analyze a serial killer using this theory--This is part of a group assignment; but every student must submit an individual written assignment. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU DO ADDITIONAL RESEARCH BEYOND THE TEXTBOOK AND WATCH THE MOODLE ROOM VIDEO ABOUT YOUR THEORY BEFORE YOU WRITE YOUR PAPER AND COMPLETE YOUR PRESENTATION.

There are two files the rubric that will be used to evaluate your paper and the Explanation of the assignment.

 

Debate Assignment—Serial Killer—Group Project

Serial Killer: Jeffrey Dahmer

 

 

Imagine that all of you have prepared a paper that explains the origin of your serial killer’s pathology.  You are all competing for a grant that will allow you to get paid for additional research.  You must explain your theory and demonstrate its effectiveness in explaining the serial killer’s reasons for committing the crimes.

 

1. Please submit a 4-6 paged double-spaced typed paper—12 Tahoma font.  Please cite all sources. Grammar and sentence structure are important!  Cite all sources.  You should use at least 3 sources that do not include the textbook; at least 2 sources should be scholarly articles or text.  If you include a website, it must be scholarly—no Wikipedia or blogs and you should print the page and attach it to your paper.  This assignment includes  an individual paper, a group presentation and an individual presentation . 

2. The group PowerPoint presentation should go first, giving the facts and circumstances of the serial killer’s background and crimes. Each group member should participate in this part of the presentation.  You will receive a collective group grade for this part of your presentation.

3. The individual portion of the group presentation requires some role playing on your part.  You must assume the identity of a famous criminologist.  Two members of your group should argue a theory that relies on the nature/individual argument (Trait and Choice theories—chapters 4 and 5) and two members should rely on theories that relate to the nurture/sociological argument (Social Structure, Social Process, Social Reaction—chapters 6 and 7). 

4. Discuss the theory that supports your explanation?  For example, my theory is…based on my evaluation of the subject I conclude the following in the context of this offender ...  The (blank) theory states that… I (Author) first developed this theory... in (year).  I (Author), while studying in, teaching in or working for (place) tested the theory in research studies or the theory remains untested. The genesis of the theory is...  Its major assumptions are...  Its strengths are...  Its weaknesses are ...

5. Now, apply the facts to the theory.  Why did your offender become a serial killer?  What facts in the serial killer’s life support the selection of this theory?  Use a diagram or graphic depiction to demonstrate the application of your theory to the offender’s background, prior experiences, former associates, family history, modus operandi, victim selection, prior trauma, school failure or any other facts that you think are important to demonstrate your theory as the best explanation for the killer’s pathology.

6. You will be graded individually and as a group on your organization; knowledge of the killer; presentation of the theoretical foundation of your argument; initial statement of your position; response to the issue raised by your opponent; eye contact; elocution; handouts distributed to the class; and you will receive extra credit for graphics.