What needs to change to implement this policy – do we need more training, publicizing, a shift in mindset, a new set of sentencing guidelines, etc.

The outline for your final paper is due this week. There are many theories we have not yet covered. Look ahead to theories we will cover later in the course if none of the theories we’ve covered so far seem to be a good fit for your problem. SAMPLE OUTLINE

This outline is meant to help you make some decisions. You do not have to stick with these decisions, but your final paper will be easier to write if you do. For this week, decide what topic you will study. What problem do you see in the criminal justice system, in crime prevention, in offending, in training, in victimization, and so on? Pick one. Find one peer-reviewed journal article that discusses that problem.

Pick a theory. What theory do you find most attractive or that explains your problem the best? You may not know a lot about this theory right now. That’s okay. Just pick one and start thinking about how that theory would explain your problem.

The actual structure of the outline is up to you, but I recommend you follow the elements required for the final paper, such as:

I. Introduction

A. Make us care about this – open with an interesting story, alarming statistic, something engaging
B. Topic/problem
C. Theory
D. Policy (new or existing)
E. Solutions/Recommendations

II. The Problem
A. Define problem
B. Explain why it is a problem
C. Explain which parts of the criminal justice system (or other unit) are responsible for the problem (because they would be the ones to implement the solution)

III. Theory
A. Your theory
B. How this theory explains crime/criminality generally
C. How this theory explains your specific problem – what is the cause of this problem, according to this theory?

IV. Existing policies
A. Other policies that have tried to solve this problem
B. Why those policies are inadequate/won’t work, according to your theory
C. What policy would work (or how existing policies need to change), according to your theory

V. Recommendations
A. What needs to change to implement this policy – do we need more training, publicizing, a shift in mindset, a new set of sentencing guidelines, etc.
B. Who is responsible for implementing this policy (the courts, the police, corrections, the general public, politicians, etc.)
C. What resources are needed to implement this policy (funding for training, additional personnel, new/different facilities, public service announcements, etc.)

VI. Conclusion
A. Restate problem

B. Restate theory (explanation of cause of problem)

C. Why existing policies aren’t enough/aren’t working
D. Your policy recommendation (which reflects your theory)
E. Bring it home with an interesting story, anecdote, etc.

Of course, your outline does not have to look exactly like this, but think of this as a template for your final paper. Include all the sections you think you need in your final paper and then expand the sections as you write it.

At this stage, you only need to include a few thoughts about each topic above. The more you include, the better feedback I can give you and the closer you will be to completing the final project.

Include at least two high-quality academic sources. One of these sources must be a peer-reviewed journal article. If you are struggling to find peer-reviewed journal articles, contact the librarians. You can use the online chat function.

Rubric
Crime Theory Outline
Crime Theory Outline
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeJournal Articles
At least two high-quality sources. At least one of these must be a peer-reviewed journal article
15 pts
Full Marks
8 pts
Developing
No peer-reviewed articles, but the sources are high quality
4 pts
Poor
Poor quality sources
0 pts
No Marks
No sources provided
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe Problem
10 pts
Full Marks
Problem well defined
5 pts
Beginning
Problem evident, but needs more clarifcation
3 pts
Poor
Problem vague or difficult to understand
0 pts
No Marks
Problem not articulated
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe Theory
15 pts
Full Marks
Theory identified and appears applicable to the problem
8 pts
Beginning
Theory identified, but unclear if it applies to the problem or not well explained
0 pts
No Marks
No theory identified
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePolicy Alternatives
10 pts
Full Marks
Beginning discussion of policy alternatives
0 pts
No Marks
No policy alternatives identified
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRecommendation
10 pts
Full Marks
Preliminary recommendations identified
0 pts
No Marks
No recommendations identified
10 pts
Total Points: 60

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