Evaluating Criminological Theory

• You will be required to write a term paper in this class. Your paper should be 6 pages, doubled-spaced, 1 inch margins, excluding references, and excluding cover page with your name, etc.• The purpose of this paper is for you to critically evaluate the criminological theory of your choice that we have covered in this course. • A reference table of theories discussed in this course is given on the front cover and back pages of the Walsh & Jorgensen textbook. I have listed potential topics in the table below. I strongly recommend that you write multiple drafts. You will not do well on the final paper (25% of final grade) if it is a first draft. I will grade your final paper based on how well you have done the following: 1. Clearly present the thesis of your paper in the opening and concluding sections. Introduce the theory and explain how it originated (including who developed it) and provide a summary of its major components. Make sure you demonstrate a solid understanding of the core components of the theory and accurately define important concepts. 2. Provide the reader with a sense for how much your theory is supported empirically (i.e., how the theory has been tested over time). You must have at least 4 sources in this assignment. Of these sources, at least 3 must be academic sources (e.g., journal article, book chapter, book). For this, you should cite findings from prior research, including at least one recent study. You may find other relevant articles online (GW library or Google Scholar). Do not cite class lectures or the textbook; instead, cite the original works that are included in the textbook (references at the bottom of each article). 3. Make sure your paper has a clear organization and natural flow. It should include an introduction section, transition sentences to connect major ideas, and a conclusion section. It should also have few, if any, grammatical or spelling errors, and the use of passive voice should be kept to a minimum. 
4. Use 12-point Times New Roman (double-spaced) and 1-inch margins. Follow APA (American Psychological Association) or a similar style guide for in-text citations and references/bibliography. I have no preference, but you should be consistent. Please ensure your name, as well as page numbers, are included in the Word document. Demonstrate an ability to apply the theory you choose, by following the instructions in the Term Paper Topic Options presented below: Option 1 You are at a dinner party at your aunt’s home. She lives in a wealthy suburban neighborhood just outside a large city with a relatively high crime rate. She asks how your semester is going and you mention your class on criminological theory. This piques her interest and she asks you to share your insights on the recent rise in the number of burglaries in her neighborhood. She says some of the neighbors are lobbying for harsher sanctions for burglary offenses, but she questions whether this would be an effective solution to reduce the number of burglaries. With the theories you choose in mind, give your aunt at least three specific suggestions for strategies that may help to reduce the burglaries in her neighborhood OPTION 1 IS THE PROMPT FOR THIS PAPER. PLEASE USE IT TO GUIDE THE WAY THE PAPER IS WRITTEN.