CRIMINOLOGY

SOC 341 SPRING 2016 -- TERM PAPER GUIDELINES

From Syllabus:

Term Paper (20%): For your paper, choose one example of an international or transnational crime (NOT just in the United States), and choose one or two theories we have covered in class. Your paper should present a clear argument about how these theories explain the crime, as well as the limitations of this explanation. In the paper, you must give some context for the crime in question, explain the key points of the theory or theories used, and you should justify your arguments with examples and data. You must use academic sources. The paper should be about 3,000 words (minimum 2,700 and maximum 3,300, excluding references).

Outline for Paper:

· Introduction:

· Topic (crime), why it is important, general context.

· Brief statement of argument.

· Case Study / Example of Crime:

· Explanation of the crime itself - international or transnational, what is the ‘criminal’ aspect, and according to what/whom (laws, social perceptions, etc.)

· Explanation of the context – social, political, economic, cultural

· Other relevant information

· Theoretical Framework (theory/theories that you think best explain this case):

· Explanation of the basic ideas/assumptions of the theory/theories

· Explanation of existing research on a) where this theory has been applied, and/or b) what theories have been applied to your crime case

· Justification: **This should be your longest section!!**

· Two or three reasons why this theory/theories best explain your case

· Examples or facts from your case that justify or illustrate this argument

· Limitations: **This section is brief; return to why your argument is best**

· Acknowledge potential alternative explanations (other theories), if applicable

· Acknowledge limitations in the data, methodology, application to other cases, etc.

· Conclusion:

· Recap your argument

· A short statement on policy implications (if any)

General Criteria for Grading:

· Substance of the paper (60%):

· Argument: Clarity, quality, makes sense, addresses potential critiques

· Presentation of theory/theories: Clear, accurate, justifiable application to the case

· Real (empirical, factual, specific) example(s) of crime: Relevant, clearly linked to argument, logical, appropriate detail, set in socio-political-economic context

· Sufficient, relevant, and diverse sources: at least 10 sources in total, 6 of which are academic. (For the others, try to choose policy papers and longer media articles.)

· Structure of the paper (10%):

· Clear sections that follow a logical order and flow well

· Clear statement of argument in the introduction and recap in the conclusion

· Logical transitions between sections

· Sub-section headings

· Writing (20%):

· Full, grammatically correct sentences

· Clear, correct paragraphs

· Spelling

· Vocabulary

· Style and format (10%):

· Length, 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1” margins

· APA formatting – in-text citations and reference list