criminology class

Student Learning Objectives:

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   Apply criminological theory to crime



   Demonstrate knowledge of multiple criminological theories



   Write a clear and critical research paper

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   Compare popular culture to academic research

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   Conduct a peer interview

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   Create new theory through deductive and inductive reasoning 

Final Take-Home Assignment Question:

Directions: Please respond in a 4-5 page total for both parts, double-spaced Times new roman 

font with 1” margins to the following assignments. Be sure to answer all parts of the 

assignment

Part I: Essay (2 pages):

Choose a crime or criminal behavior that interests you. Please define this crime/criminal behavior. 

Please choose three or more theories from this course and integrate them to create one new 

criminological theory that you think best explains the crime/criminal conduct you have chosen. Please 

summarize ALL of the characteristics, assumptions, etc. of this new theory. In other words, what does 

this new, integrated theory ‘say’ about the crime/criminal behavior you have chosen?

Part II: Popular Culture and Crime (2-3 pages):

A.    For the second part of the paper, there are three components. First I would like you to identify a 

popular tv series or movie that focuses on crime. Next, I would like you to summarize the plot 

and characters. After the summary, I would like you to explain to the best of your ability 

choosing the life-course perspective, and any other theories that you believe are applicable 

based on your observation. You must use your deductive and inductive reasoning to apply 

theories appropriately. 

B.    Interview a person who is not a criminal justice major about their views on the causes of crime 

in society. Ask at least five open-ended questions and write them into the paper. Make notes on 

their beliefs and explain why you think they hold those beliefs.

C.    For the final part of part II, I would like you to compare and contrast the fictional program you 

watched with the brief interview of crime causation. Comment on the similarities or differences. 

Lastly, I would like you to describe how what you learned in the course has enhanced your 

knowledge of the causes of crime.